Callias, the Fall of Athens

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successors are puny and degenerate. Examine too the crowd that CHAPTER I throngs the benches, and you will see that the slaves, distinguished by their unsleeved tunics, fill up no small portion of space. And boys form an unusually large proportion of the A NEW PLAY audience. Altogether the theatre is a dispiriting sight to a patriotic Athenian. It is the second year of the ninety-third Olympiad and the To-day, however, all is gaiety, for, as has been said, there Theatre at Athens is full, for the great dramatic season is at its is a new play to be brought out, and an Athenian must be in height, and to-day there is to be performed a new play by desperate straits indeed, if he cannot forget his sorrows at a new Aristophanes, the special favorite of the Athenian public. It is a play. brilliant scene; but a keen observer, who happened to see the same gathering some five and twenty years ago, must now notice a When the curtain rises, or rather, is withdrawn, as the certain falling off in its splendor. For these five and twenty years Greek arrangement was, into an opening in the floor of the stage; have been years of war, and latterly, years of disaster. Eleven a murmur of recognition runs through the audience. The scene is years ago, the City wild with the pride of power, and wealth, the market place of Thebes, and a familiar figure occupies the embarked on the mad scheme of conquering Sicily, and lost the foreground. finest fleet and army that it ever possessed. Since then it has been The portly figure, the ruddy face, the vine-leaf crown, and a struggle for life with it, and year by year it has been growing the buskins show him to be Bacchus, the patron-god, it will be weaker and weaker. This has told sadly on the glories of its great remembered, of the Drama. But why this lion's skin and club? The festivals. The furnishing of the stage, indeed, is as perfect as ever, god gives a lordly kick at the door of the house which was one of and the building itself has been pushed on several stages towards the familiar stage-properties, and Hercules appears. He roars with completion. However scarce money may be in the public treasury, laughter to see his own emblems in such strange company. the theatre must not be starved. But elsewhere there are manifest Bacchus explains. "The tragic poets grow worse and worse. There signs of falling off. The strangers' gallery is almost empty. All the is not one who can write a decent line. I am going down to the Greek world from Massilia in Gaul to Cyrene among the sands of regions of the dead to fetch Euripides, and thought that I had Africa used to throng it in happier days. Now more than half that better dress myself up in your fashion, for you, I know, made this world is hostile, and the rest has little to hope or fear from the same journey very successfully. Perhaps you will tell me dispossessed mistress of the seas. Dionysius of Syracuse, has sent something about the way, and what inns you can recommend, an embassy, and the democracy, which once would have treated where they are free from fleas, you know." with scant courtesy the representatives of a tyrant, is fain to flatter so powerful a prince. There are some Persian Envoys too, for the "Are you really going?" Persians are still following their old game of playing off one great "Yes, yes. Don't try to dissuade me; but tell me the, way, state against another. A few Greeks from Sinope and from one of which must not be either too hot or too cold." the Italian cities, persons of no importance, who would hardly have found a place in the gallery during the palmy times of "Well there is the Hanging way, by the sign of the Rope Athens, make up the company of visitors. Look at the body of the and Noose." theatre, where the citizens sit, and the spectacle is deplorable "Too stifling." indeed. The flower of Athens' sons has perished, and their Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 3 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"There is a very short cut by the Mortar and Pestle." Grant, fortune, I may meet some perilous chance "The Hemlock road, you mean?" Meet for so bold a journey." "Exactly so." "O Master, I hear a noise." "Too cold and wintry for me." "Where, where?" "Well; I'll tell you of a quick road and all downhill." "It is behind us." "Excellent! for I am not a good walker." "Get behind then." "You know the tower in the Cemetery? Well; climb up to "No—it is in front." the top when the Torch race is going to begin; and when the "Why don't you go in front?" people cry out 'start,' start yourself." "O Master, I see such a Monster." "How do you mean 'start'? Start from where?" "What is it like?" "Why, start down from the top." "Why! it keeps on changing—now it's a bull, now it's a "What, and dash my brains out? No, not for me, thank stag, and now it's a woman; and its face is all fire. What shall we you." do? O Hercules, Hercules help." So it is settled that Bacchus and his slave, for he has a "Hold your tongue. Don't call me Hercules." slave with him to carry his baggage, shall take the usual route by the Styx. "Bacchus, then." To the Styx, accordingly, they make their way. Charon the "No, no; Bacchus is worse than Hercules." ferryman is plying for hire, "Any one, for Rest-from-toil-and- The travellers, pass these dangers, and reach the palace of labor Land? For No-Mansland? For the Isle of Dogs?" Pluto. Bacchus knocks at the door. "Who's there?" cries Aeacus Bacchus steps in, and by Charon's order, takes an oar the porter. "The valiant Hercules," says Bacchus. The name calls which he handles very helplessly. The slave has to go round: forth a torrent of reproaches, and threats. Hercules was only too Charon does not carry slaves, he says. As they slowly make their well remembered there. way across, the frogs from the marsh raise the song of their kind, "O villain, villain, doubly, trebly dyed! ending with the burden which is supposed to represent their note, 'Twas thou didst take our dog, our guardian dog, Brekekekex, coax, coax. Sweet Cerberus, my charge. But, villain, now We have thee on the hip. For thee the rocks It is pitch dark on the further side. When the slave turns Of Styx, and Acheron's dripping well of blood, up, he advises his master to go on at once. "'Tis the very spot," he And Hell's swift hounds encompass." says, "where Hercules told us those terrible wild beasts were." Bacchus is very valiant. "Did you hear that dreadful voice?" says Bacchus to the "A curse upon him! 'twas an idle tale slave. "Didn't it frighten you?" He feigned to frighten me, for well he knew, "Frighten me? No, I didn't give it a thought." How brave I am, the envious braggart soul! Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 4 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Well, you are a bold fellow. I say; suppose you become First Landlady. "Yes, and any quantity of garlic." me, and I become you. Take the club and the lion skin, and I'll Bacchus. "Woman this is all rubbish. I don't know what carry the baggage." you are talking about." "As you please." First Landlady. "Ah! you villain, because you have They change parts accordingly. No sooner is this done, buskins on, you thought I should not know you—and then there than a waiting maid of Queen Proserpine appears. "My dear was the salt-fish." Hercules," she says, "come with me." As soon as my mistress Second Landlady. "Yes, and the fresh cheeses which he heard of your being here she had a grand baking, made four or ate, baskets and all; and when I asked him for the money he drew five gallons of soup, and roasted an ox whole." his sword, and we ran up, you remember, into the attic." "Excellent," cries the false Hercules. The Slave. "That is just the man. That's how he goes on "She won't take a refusal. And, hark you! there's such everywhere." wine!" The angry women run off to fetch their lawyers; and "I shall be delighted. Boy, bring along the baggage with Bacchus begins again. you." "My dear boy, I am very fond of you." "Hold," cries the "boy." "Don't you see it was a joke of "I know what you are after. Say no more; I'm not going to mine, dressing you up as Hercules? Come, hand over the club and be Hercules; 'A pretty Hercules I should make,' you say." the skin." "I don't wonder that you're angry. But do take the things "You are not going to take the things away when you gave again. The gods destroy me and mine, root and branch, if I rob me them yourself." you of them again." "Yes, but I am: a pretty Hercules you would be. Come, "Very well; I'll take them, but mind, you have sworn." So hand them over." the exchange is made again. "Well; if I must, I must. But I shouldn't wonder if you Then Aeacus with his infernal policemen appears on the were sorry for it sooner or later." scene. It turns out to be sooner rather than later. As soon as the "That's the fellow who stole the dog," he cries to his men, exchange is made, two landladies appear on the scene. Hercules "seize him," while the false slave murmurs aside, "Some one is had committed other misdemeanors besides stealing the dog. getting into trouble." First Landlady. "This is the villain. He came to my house, "I steal your dog!" says the false Hercules. "I have never and ate sixteen loaves." been here, much less stolen the worth of a cent. But come. I'll The Slave (aside). "Some one is getting into trouble." make you a fair offer. Here's my slave. Take him, and put him to First Landlady. "Yes, and twenty fried outlets at three the torture, and if you get anything out of him against me, then cut half-pence apiece." my head off." The Slave (aside). "Some one will suffer for this." Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 5 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Very fair," says Aeacus; "and of course, if I do him any the first place; and on the strength of their support he had claimed damage, I shall pay for it." the tragic throne." "Never mind about the damage; torture away." "But had not Aeschylus any friends?" "Hold," shouts Bacchus, as the policemen lay hold of him, "O yes, among the respectable people; but respectable "I warn you not to torture me, I'm a god." people are scarce down here, as they are up above." Aeacus. "What do you say?" "What about Sophocies?" Bacchus. "I am Bacchus, son of Zeus, and that fellow there "Oh! as soon as he came, he went up to Aeschylus and is my slave." kissed him on the cheek, and took him by the hand. He yielded the Aeacus (to the false Bacchus). "What do you say to that?" throne, he said, to Aeschylus; but if Euripides came off best, he should contest it with him." The false Bacchus. "Say? Lay on the lash; if he's a god, of course he can't feel." "Well,what is going to be done?" Bacchus. "And you're a god too, you say. So you won't "There will be a trial." mind taking blow for blow with me." "Who is to be judge?" The false Bacchus. "Quite right." (To Aeacus) "Lay on, "Ah! there's the difficulty. Wise men, you see, are not so and the first that cries out, you may be sure he's not the real god." plenty. Even with the Athenians Aeschylus didn't get on very So the trial takes place. Both bear it bravely, till at last well. However they have made your master judge. He is supposed Aeacus cries in perplexity. "I can't make it out. I don't know to know all about it." which is which. Well, you shall both come to my master and I have tried to give some idea of the first, the farcical half Queen Proserpine. They're gods, and they ought to know their of the play. It is possible to appreciate the fun, though much of its own kind." flavor has evaporated, and there are many strokes of humor Bacchus. "An excellent idea; I only wish that you had which, for one reason or another, it has not been possible to thought of it before you gave me that beating." reproduce. The second half is a series of subtle literary criticisms on the language, style, dramatic construction, and ruling sentiment Things are now supposed to be set right. Bacchus goes to of the two poets. No one can appreciate it who is not familiar with dine with Pluto and Proserpine; the slave is entertained by Aeacus their works; no version is possible that would give any that idea of in the servants' hall. While they are talking a tremendous uproar is it. One specimen I shall attempt. Aeschylus finds fault with the heard outside; and Aeacus explains to his guest that it is a rule in prosaic matter-of-fact character of his rival's opening, scenes. "I'll their country that the best poet or writer or artist should have a spoil them all with a flask," he says. "(3o on and repeat whichever seat at the King's table and a place at the King's right hand. This you please." Euripides begins with the opening lines of the honor Aeschylus had held as the first of the tragic poets, but when Danaides (a play now lost). Euripides came, all the crowd of pick-pockets and burglars and "Aegyptus—so the common story runs— murderers, who were pretty numerous in these parts, had been so Crossed with his fifty sones the ocean plains, delighted with his twists and turns, that they were for giving him And reaching Argos—"

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 6 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

the boldness and novelty of his treatment of things moral and "Lost a little flask." religious. Aeschylus they considered to be old-fashioned and bigoted. Hence among the seats allotted to the young men there puts in Aeschylus. had been some murmurs of dissent while the performance was going on, and now there was a good deal of adverse criticism. He begins again with the opening lines of another And there were some among the older men who were scarcely satisfied. The fact was that Comedy was undergoing a change, the "Cadmus, Agenor's offspring, setting sail change which before twenty more, years had passed was to turn From Sidon's city—" the Old Comedy into the Middle and the New, or to put the matter

briefly, to change the Comedy of Politics into the Comedy of "Lost a little flask." Manners. Then he tries with the first lines of a third "This is poor stuff," said an old aristocrat of this school, "Great Bacchus, who with wand and fawn-skin decked, "poor stuff indeed, after what I remember in my younger days. In pine-groves of Parnassus, plies the dance, Why can't the man leave Euripides alone, especially now he is And leads the revel—" dead, and won't bother us with any more of his plays? There are plenty of scoundrel politicians who might to much more purpose "Lost a little flask." come in for a few strokes of the lash. But he daren't touch the fellows. Ah! it was not always so. I remember the play he brought The reader may have had enough. It will suffice to give the out eighteen years ago. The 'Knights' he called it. That was result of the contest. All the tests have been applied. Euripides, as something like a Comedy! Cleon was at the very height of his a last resource, reminds the judge that he has sworn to take him power, for he had just made that lucky stroke at Pylos. But back with him. Aristophanes did not spare him one bit for that. He could not get Bacchus replies: anyone to take the part; he could not even get a mask made to "My tongue hath sworn; yet Aeschylus I choose." imitate the great man's face. So he took the part himself, and smeared his face with the lees of wine. Cleon was there in the A cruel cut, for it is an adaptation of one of the poet's own magistrates' seats. I think we all looked at him as much as we lines (from the Hippolytus) when the hero, taunted with the oath looked at the stage. Whenever there was a hard hit—and, by that he had taken and is about to violate, replies: Bacchus, how hard the hits were!—all the theatre turned to see "My tongue hath sworn it, but my mind's unsworn." how he bore it. He laughed at first. Then we saw him turn red and pale—I was close by him and I heard him grind his teeth. Good When the curtain rose from the floor and hid the last heavens! what a rage he was in! Well, that is the sort of a play I scene, it was manifest that the "Frogs" of Aristophanes, son of like to see, not this splitting words, and picking verses to pieces, Philippus, of the tribe Pandionis, and the township Cydathenaea, just as some schoolmaster might do." was a success. Of course there were malcontents among the audience. Euripides had a good many partisans in young Athens. But, in spite of these criticisms, the greater part of the They admired his ingenuity, his rhetoric, and the artistic quality of audience were highly delighted with what they had seen and his verse, in which beauty for beauty's sake, quite apart from any heard. The comic business, with its broad and laughable effects, moral purpose, seemed to be aimed at. They were captivated by pleased them, and they were flattered by being treated as judges of Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 7 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

literary questions. And the curious thing was that they were not unfit to be judges of such matters. There never was such a well- CHAPTER II educated and keen witted audience in the world. They knew it, and they dearly liked to be treated accordingly. The judges only echoed the popular voice when at the end of the festival they NEWS FROM THE FLEET bestowed the first prize upon Aristophanes. I anticipated the course of my story when I spoke of the One criticism, strange to say, no one ever thought of first prize being adjudged to the comedy exhibited by making—and yet, to us, it seems the first, the most obvious of all Aristophanes. There were various competing plays—how many criticisms, and that is that the play was horribly profane. This we do not know, but the titles and authors of two that won the cowardly, drunken, sensual Bacchus—and he is ten times worse in second and third prizes have been preserved—and all those had of the original than I have ventured to make him here—this course to be performed before a decision could be made. Two or despicable wretch was one of the gods whom everyone in the three days at least must have passed before the exhibition was at audience was supposed to worship. The festival which was the an end. occasion of the theatrical exhibition was held in his honor, his altar was the centre round which the whole action of every piece The next competitor had certainly reason to complain of revolved. And yet he was caricatured in this audacious manner, his ill luck. Just before the curtain fell for the opening scene of his and it did not occur to anyone to object! Verily the religion of the comedy an incident occurred which made the people little Greeks sat very lightly on their consciences, and we cannot disposed to listen to anything more that day. The spectators had wonder if it had but small effect on their lives. just settled themselves in their places, when a young officer hastily made his way up to the bench where the magistrates were seated, and handed a roll to the president. The occurrence was very unusual. It was reckoned almost an impiety to disturb the festival of Bacchus with anything of business; only matters of the very gravest importance could be allowed to do it. The entrance of the young man, happening as it did, just in the pause of expectation before the new play began, had been generally observed. Everyone could see from his dress that he was a naval officer, and many knew him as one of the most promising young men in Athens. "News from the fleet" was the whisper that ran through the theatre, and there were few among the thousands there assembled to whom news from the fleet did not mean the life or death of father, brother, or son. The president glanced at the document put into his hands, and whispering a few words to the messenger, pointed to a seat by his side. All eyes were fastened upon him. (The magistrates, it may be explained, occupied one of the front or lowest rows of seats, and were therefore more or less in view of the whole theatre, which was arranged in the form of a

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 8 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

semicircle, with tier upon tier of benches rising upon the slope of magistrates who had stopped behind in the theatre, I may as well the hill on the side of which the building was constructed.) When put them all together. a moment afterwards, the curtain was withdrawn, scarcely a "We know," said the president, "that Conon was beaten in glance was directed to the stage. The action and the dialogue of a battle in the harbor of Mitylene. So much we heard from the new piece were absolutely lost upon what should have been an Hippocles, a very patriotic person by the way, though he is an audience, but was a crowd of anxious citizens, suddenly recalled alien. He has a very swift yacht that can outstrip any war ship in from the shows of the stage to the realities of life. Greece, and often gives us very valuable intelligence. Do you The president now carefully read the document and passed know him?" it on to his colleagues. Some whispered consultations passed "Yes," said Callias, flushing with pleasure, for indeed he between them. When at the end of the first act a change of scenery knew and respected Hippocles greatly, "I know him very well." caused a longer pause than usual the president quietly left the theatre, taking the bearer of the despatch with him. Some of the "Well, to go on," resumed the president. "So much we other magistrates followed him, the rest remaining behind because know, but no more. Tell us exactly how Conon fared in the it would have been unseemly to leave the official seats wholly battle." untenanted while the festival was still going on. This proceeding "Sir," answered the young man, "he lost thirty ships." increased the agitation of the people, because it emphasized the importance of the news that had arrived. Some slipped away, "And the crews," asked the president. unable to sit quietly in their places and endure the suspense, and "They escaped; happily they were able to get to land." vaguely hoping to hear something more outside. Among those that remained the buzz of conversation grew louder and louder. Only a "Thank Athene for that"; and a murmur of relief ran round few very determined play-goers even pretended to listen to what the meeting. "And the other forty—he had seventy, I think, in was going on upon the stage. Meanwhile the unfortunate author, all?" Callias nodded assent. to whom, after all, the fate of his play was not less urgent a matter "What happened to the forty?" than the fate of the city, sat upon his prompter's stool—the author "They were hauled up under the walls when the day went not uncommonly did the duty of prompter—and heartily cursed against us." the bad luck which had distracted in so disastrous a way the attention of his audience. "Now tell us exactly what has been going on since." When at last, to the great relief of everyone concerned, the "The Spartans blockaded the harbor, having some of their performance was brought to a conclusion, the young officer told ships within, and some without. Our general saw that it was only a his story, supplementing the meagre contents of the despatch matter of time when he should have to surrender. The Spartans which he had brought, to a full conclave of magistrates, assembled had four times as many ships, the ships not, perhaps, quite as good in one of the senate-rooms of the Prytaneum or Town-hall of as his, but the crews, I am afraid, somewhat better." Athens. I may introduce him to my readers as Callias, the hero of "Shade of Themistocles," murmured one of the my story. magistrates, "that it should come to this—the Spartan crews Many of the details that follow had already been given by 'somewhat better' than ours. But I am afraid that it is only too Callias, but as he had to repeat them for the benefit of the true."

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 9 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"He could not break through; and could not stand a long as it was headed this way, it seemed the more important of the siege. Mitylene was fairly well provisioned for its ordinary two." garrison, but here were seventy crews added all of a sudden to the "I suppose that they overtook it," said the president, or it number. He sent some officers—I had the honor of being one of would have been here before this." them—and we found that by sparing everything to the very utmost, we might hold out for five weeks. The only chance was to "Well, we soon outstripped the two galleys that were told send news to Athens. You might help us, we thought." to look after us. When we were well out of sight, we headed westward again, took a circuit round the north side of Lemnos, "We might; we must, I say. But how it is to be done is and got here without seeing another enemy." another matter. Tell us how you got here?" "How long is it since you left Mitylene?" "The general took the two fastest ships in his squadron, manned them with the very best rowers that he could find, "About five days." practised the crews for four days in the inner harbor, and then set "But how long did Conon think he could hold out?" about running the blockade with them. The Spartans, you see, had grown a little careless. We hadn't made any attempt to get out, and "About forty days; perhaps more, if the men were put on Conon got a Lesbian freedman to desert to the Spartans with a short rations." story that we were meaning to surrender. This put them off their "You have done well, my son," said the president kindly, guard still more. "and Athens will not forget it. We will consult together, though They got into a way of leaving their ships at noon, to take there is small need of consulting, I take it. The relief must be sent. their meal and their siesta afterwards on shore. We made a dart at Is it not so gentlemen?" an unguarded place between two of their blockading ships and we Hit colleagues nodded assent. got through. I don't think that we lost a single man. By the time that the crews of the blockading galleys regained their vessels we "But there are things to be talked over. We must decide were well out of bow-shot. Our instructions were to separate, how much we can send, and that cannot be done upon the spot. when we got outside the harbor. We did not do this at once But there is a matter that can be settled at once. Conon must be because we had planned a little trick which might, we hoped, help told that he is going to be relieved. Now, who will tell him? Will to put the enemy off the scent. The ship that I was in was really you?" the swifter of the two. This was, of course, the reason why I was "Certainly, if you see fit to give me the order." put into it. But as long as we kept together we made believe that "And how?" we were the slower. When they came out after us—they had manned half a dozen ships or so as quickly as they could—we "I would consult with Hippocles." separated. My ship, which you will understand, was really the "Excellent!" cried the president. "He is just the man to help faster of the two, was put about the north as if making for us. You will go and see him, and then report to me. Come to me Hellespont; the other kept on its course, straight for Athens. The to-night; it will not matter how late it is; I shall be waiting for Spartans told off their best ships to follow the latter which they you." thought that they had the better chance of catching. And of course, Cailias saluted, and withdrew.

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 10 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Hippocles had a curious history. He was born in the Greek CHAPTER III colony of Posidonia. He was just entering on manhood when his native city fell into the hands of its Lucanian neighbors. The barbarians did not abuse their victory. They did not treat the HIPPOCLES THE ALIEN conquered city, as the Greeks of Croton some ninety years before had treated Sybaris, reducing it to an absolute ruin. On the Hippocles has been described as an alien. An "alien," then contrary they contented themselves with imposing a tribute, and at Athens, as in the other Greek cities, was a resident foreigner. leaving a governor, with a garrison to support him, to see that He might be an enfranchised slave, he might be a barbarian (as all their new subjects did not forget their duty. But the presence of persons not Greek were described), or he might be a Greek of the the foreigner was a grievous burden to the proud Greeks. For ages purest descent, but if he had not the rights of Athenian citizenship, afterwards their descendants were accustomed to assemble once a he was an "alien." He could not hold any landed or house year and to bewail their fate, as the Sons of Jacob at the Vale of property; he was obliged to appear in any law suit in which he Weeping, the Gentile domination over their city. The disaster might be concerned in the person of an Athenian citizen who was broke the heart of Hippocles' father Cimon who was one of described as his "patron," and he was heavily taxed. A special Posidonia's most distinguished citizens and had actually held the impost that went under the name of an "alien-tax" was only a office of Tagus or chief magistrate in the year of its fall. He slight matter, some twelve drachma, a year, but all the imposts survived the event scarcely a year, recommending his son with his were made specially heavy for them. And though they had no last breath to leave the place for some city where he could live in share in directing the policy of the state, they were required to a way more worthy of a Greek. His son spent the next two years in serve in its fleets and armies. This treatment however, did not quietly realizing his property, nor did he meet with any keep aliens from settling in Athens. On the contrary they were to interference from the Lucanian masters of the place. His house he be found there in great numbers, and as almost all the trade of the had to sacrifice; to sell it might have attracted too much notice; place was in their hands, some of them were among its richest but everything else that he had was converted into money. When inhabitants. this was safely invested at Athens—Athens having been for At the time of which I am writing Hippocles had the various reasons the city of his choice—he secretly departed. But reputation, which we may say was by no means undeserved, of he did not depart alone. He took with him a companion, who, he being the richest resident in Athens. And more than that, he was declared, more than made up to him for all that as a Posidonian one of the most patriotic. He loved the city as if it had been his citizen he had lost. Pontia, the daughter of the Lucanian governor, native place, and did the duty and more than the duty of a son to was a girl of singular beauty. The Lucanian, in common with the her. The special contributions which as a wealthy man he was other Italian tribes, gave to their women a liberty which was called upon to make to the public service were made with a unknown in Greek households. Under the circumstances of life in princely liberality. He even voluntarily undertook services which which he had been brought, up, Hippocles though a frequent were not required of him by law. Every year he had come forward visitor at the governor's house, would never, except by the merest to furnish the crew and munitions of a ship of war, a charge to accident, have seen the governor's daughter. As it was he had which citizens only were properly liable. And of the fleet of which many opportunities of making her acquaintance. Instead of being such gloomy tidings had just reached Athens, he had equipped no shut up, after the Greek fashion in the women's apartments, she less than three. shared the common life of the family. At first the novelty of the situation almost shocked the young man; before long it pleased Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 11 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

him; it ended by conquering his heart. The young Greek, who was about five years younger than myself. But that's of no leaving his native land because it did not suit his pride of race to consequence. I mentioned the matter to her. She did not say much, live under the rule of a barbarian, did not submit without an effort. but, of course, a girl must seem to hold back. I suggested that the Again and again he reproached himself with the monstrous marriage should take place next week—for I should dearly like to inconsistency of which he was guilty. "Madman that I am," he be at home in time for the barley harvest. That roused her. Of said to himself, "I cannot endure to live with barbarians for course she said that she had no clothes. I don't know about that— neighbors and yet I think of taking a barbarian to wife." Again and she always seems to me to look very nice—but I should not like to again he resolved to break free from the influence that was annoy her, for she is a dear, good girl, and I gave her another enthralling him. But love was too strong for him. Nor indeed, month. It's an excellent arrangement—don't you think so?" were there wanting arguments on the other side. "Actually," he Hippocles muttered a few words of assent; but long before said to himself, "I am a Greek no more; a Greek without a city is the month was out, he and his Pontia were on their way to Athens. only not a barbarian in name." This argument, of little weight, perhaps, in itself, gained force from the loveliness and mental The marriage and the settlement in Athens had taken place charms of the young Pontia. She had long felt a distaste for the twenty-one years before the time of which I am writing. Two rough, uncultured life into which she had been born. The culture children had been born, a son and a daughter. The son had fallen, and refinement of her father's young Greek guest charmed her. not many months before, at the battle of Notium and the death of The sadness of his mien touched the chord of pity in her heart, and the mother, who had been in feeble health, had soon followed. admiration and pity together soon grew into love. The daughter, to whom her parents had given the name of Hermione, had just completed her sixteenth year. Hippocles had just completed the settlement of his affairs, and was ruefully contemplating the curious dilemma in which he Hermione united in herself some of the happiest found himself—everything ready for his departure from characteristics of the two races from which she sprang. Her father Posidonia, but Posidonia holding him from such departure by ties was a Greek of the Greeks. Posidonia had been founded by Dorian which he could break only by breaking his heart—when settlers from Sybaris, who could not contrive to live on good circumstances suggested a way of escape. terms with the Achaean Greeks that had become the predominant element in that city; and Hippocles, who claimed descent from the The governor was a widower, and had more than the usual Messenian kings, yielded to none in nobility of births A purer type incapacity of busy men in middle life for discerning the symptoms of the genuine Hellenes would have been impossible to find. of love. It was accordingly, with a cheerful unconsciousness of his Pontia brought from the Lucanian hills, among which she had guest's feelings that he said to him one morning:—"I have good been reared, some of the best qualities, moral and physical, of the news about my dear Pontia. The girl is growing up, and should be Italian race. The simplicity, frugality, and temperance which then settled in life, and I have had a most eligible proposal for her. I and long after distinguished rural Italy, were to be seen in her have told you, I think, that I am getting tired of this life, and want united with a singular feminine charm not so often found among to get back to my farm among the hills. So I have asked to be that somewhat rude population; until the close air of the Piraeus, relieved, and I hear from the Senate that they have chosen a ill-suited to a daughter of the hills, sapped her constitution, she successor, Hostius of Vulsi, a cousin, I should say, of my own, had had a frame magnificently healthy and strong. To the daughter and a most respectable man. Hostius has come to announce the the climate which had shortened her mother's days, happily did no fact in person, and at the same time to ask for my daughter in harm. It was in fact her native air, and she throve in it. She was marriage. A most eligible proposal, I say. Perhaps he is a little old, Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 12 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

still undeveloped, for she had only just completed her sixteenth more agonizing than her own, till for very shame Hippocles had year; but she gave promise of remarkable beauty, and indeed, the raised himself to bear his loss with resignation. The effort saved promise was already more than half fulfilled. When she had his life; for even the physicians had at one time been greatly performed the duty, sometimes imposed on the daughters of alarmed. Callias, accustomed to think of women as encumbrances resident aliens,—it might be called, rather, privilege conceded to rather than helps in time of need was profoundly impressed by the them—and walked in the great procession of the patron-goddess, girl's demeanor. If he had been inclined, for a moment, to think holding a sunshade over some high-born Athenian maiden, all the that her singular self-possession indicated a want of womanly spectators agreed that the prize of beauty belonged to the stranger. feeling, he would have been soon undeceived. Paying a visit of Her stature reached the very utmost height that the canons of inquiry to the house next day, he found that Hermione's endurance beauty conceded to women; so far she was more of an Athene had not lasted beyond the occasion for which it was wanted. Her than an Aphrodite. But her face and her whole bearing were father received him, and told him that his daughter had broken exquisitely feminine. The sapphire-colored eyes, shaded by long down under the strain. "I was cowardly enough," he said, drooping lashes the forehead, broad and low with the clustering "yesterday to rest upon her strength when I should have ringlets of light chestnut on either side, perfectly rounded cheeks, summoned up my own. The gods grant that I may not have taxed firm, delicate mouth, showing a glimpse, but only a glimpse of it overmuch, and that I may not lose both my children. I have pearly teeth, and a faultlessly clear complexion, just tinted with learned that I ought not to have grudged my son to the city which the brown caught from Aegaean suns and winds—for she was has been a second mother to me; if only I have not learnt it at too dearly fond of a cruise in her father's yacht—made up together a terrible a price." Callias had to leave Athens on the next day to remarkable combination of charms. rejoin the fleet, but he had the satisfaction of hearing before his Callias had seen her but once before, and that was on a departure that Hermione was on a fair way to recovery. Since then melancholy occasion. He had been commissioned by the general he had not been in Athens. in command to break to her father the death of her brother, killed as has been said, in the unlucky conflict at Notium. He had behaved there with conspicuous gallantry, having led the boarding party which captured the only Lacedaemonian galley that the Athenians had to set off against their own fifteen losses, and had fallen in the moment of victory. It was not the first time that he had shown distinguished valor, and it was for this reason, as well as on account of the high reputation of his father, that Alcibiades had sent Callias with a special message of condolence. The blow, which could not be softened by any delicacy in the telling, and for which the praises of the general were but a slight consolation, broke Hippocles down completely. It was then that Hermione showed the strength of her character. Tenderly attached herself to her brother she had come forward to support her broken-hearted father. With a patient endurance that was beyond all praise, she had battled with her own grief in the effort to help; a sorrow even Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 13 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

that is, of the military aristocracy that ruled Laconia and its CHAPTER IV dependencies, it was, of course, impossible to obtain, but girls from the farmer class that cultivated the lands of their soldier masters often sought situations in other countries. This was the A COUNCIL case with Melanion, who as the youngest of the five daughters of a Laconian farmer, had been delighted to find a place with an The house of Hippocles was on a smaller scale than might Athenian lady, Melissa, wife of Demochares, at a salary which have seemed suitable to his vast wealth. The fact was that both he almost equalled her father's income. This was just before the and his daughter had simple tastes. They had a special dislike to commencement of the long war. She had been nurse to Melissa's the enormous establishments of slaves which it was the fashion five children when the disastrous expedition to Sicily brought for rich Athenians, whether of native or of foreign birth, to irretrievable ruin upon her employer's family. Demochares was maintain. In each division of the house—for, it was divided after one of the army that surrendered with Nicias, was thrown with his the usual Greek fashion, into two "apartments," to use that word in comrades into that most dreadful of prisons, the stone-quarries of its proper sense, belonging respectively to the men and the women Syracuse, and died of a fever before the end of the year. His —there were but three or four inmates besides the master and property had consisted, for the most part, of farms in the island of mistress. Hippocles had his house steward and his personal Chios, and when Chios revolted from Athens, the widow and her attendant, both older than himself, long since emancipated, who children were reduced to something very like poverty. Nothing had accompanied him from his Italian home, and a lad of was left to them but a small farm at Marathon, and as it so seventeen, who was still a slave, but who, if he conducted himself happened, the rent, of the house which Hippocles unable, as has well, would certainly earn his freedom by the time that he had been said, to own real property in Attica, had been accustomed to reached the age of thirty. Hermione's establishment, on the other hire. The establishment had to be broken up, the slaves being sold hand, consisted of a lady who had just exchanged the post of and the free persons looking for employment elsewhere. Melanion governess, now no longer necessary, for that of companion or was about to return, much against her will, to Laconia, where her duenna, a housekeeper, and two domestics who may be described long residence at Athens would have rendered her an object of by the modern terms of lady's-maid and house-maid. Stephanion, suspicion and dislike, when an opening suddenly presented itself the companion, was of pure Athenian descent. She belonged to in the family of Hippocles. Pontia's long illness had come to a one of the many families which had been reduced to poverty by fatal end, and the widower was looking for an experienced woman the war, and she had been glad to take employment in the house of to take charge of the young Hermione. Melanion, seemed to him the wealthy alien. She had more education than was commonly exactly the person that he wanted, and she, on the other hand, was given to Athenian ladies, but this is not to say much, and delighted to come to him. As her charge grew older, her duties as Hermione would have fared but ill for teaching, according at least nurse gradually changed into the duties of a housekeeper. She had to our standard if her father had not always found time even in his come to her new situation accompanied by a middle-aged woman, busiest days, to supplement her education.. The housekeeper was a Marian by birth, Manto by name, whom Hippocles had bought, a Laconian woman. She, too, had found her way into the family at her suggestion, at the sale of Demochares' slaves. Manto had through circumstances connected with the war. She had been steadily refused the emancipation which her master had several nurse in a wealthy Athenian household. Before the war it had been times offered to her. the fashion, my readers should know, for the upper classes at Athens to get their nurses from Sparta. A true Spartan, a daughter Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 14 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"No, sir," she said, "I thank you very much, but I am better name," said Callias, "and say that I come from the magistrates on as I am. I desire nothing more than to live in your house, and, an important matter of business." The lad invited him to enter, and when my time comes, to die in it." to take a seat in a small chamber which looked upon the central "What if I should die first," suggested the merchant. court of the andronitis, a grass plot, bordered on all sides by myrtle and orange. In a few minutes he returned, and invited the "The gods know, my master, the gods know," cried the visitor to follow him. Callias crossed the court and passed through poor woman in an agony. "But it is impossible; the gods would the door which led into the women's apartment. Hippocles, it not do anything so cruel, so unjust. But, if you wish, you may put should be said, was accustomed to see visitors on business in the what you please into your will. As long as you live you are my front or men's portion of the dwelling, but spent his leisure time in master, and I am your slave." So matters stood when my story the rooms assigned to his daughter. The two had just taken their opens. Perhaps it may be added that Manto's condition did not places at the table, Hippocles reclining on a couch, Hermione prevent her tongue from being truthful; but affectionate, faithful, sitting on a chair by his right hand, so that his face was turned and honest she allowed herself and was allowed—no unusual towards her. The steward had placed the first dish on the table, circumstance, yet she was under a system of slavery—a liberty of and was standing in front, with Hippocles' personal attendant speech which in one free born would certainly have been behind him. The latter at a sign from his master, prepared a place impossible. Finally, to complete my account of the household, for the newcomer. Hermione had for her maid a girl, about a year older than herself. She too had come into the family along with Melanion and Manto. Hippocles saluted his guest in a most friendly fashion, and Demochares had bought her at the sale of the prisoners taken by Hermione gave him her hand with a charming smile, though the the Athenians when a little Sicilian town was captured. She was moment afterwards tears gathered in her eyes, when she then a singularly pretty child about seven years old, and remembered the last occasion on which they had met. Demochares had meant her to be a playfellow or plaything, as the "If the business will wait for half an hour," said the host, case might be, of a daughter of his own of about the same age. "postpone it for so long. I have had a long day's work, and shall be She was of mixed race; her mother was a Sicanian, that is, one of scarcely myself till I have eaten. And you—doubtless you have the so-called aboriginal inhabitants of Sicily, her father a dined before this; but you will take a cup with us." Carthaginian trader. She was now grown up into a handsome As a matter of fact Callias had not dined, though in the maiden, who with her raven-black hair, dark piercing eyes, and excitement of the day's business he had almost forgotten food. A deep brunette complexion, made a remarkable contrast to the fair hasty meal snatched on board the trireme which had brought him beauty of her mistress. to Athens had been his only refreshment since the morning. When Callias reached the house the hour was late, later "Nay, sir, but I have not dined; unless you call some five than etiquette allowed for a visit, except from an intimate friend, or six dried anchovies and a hunk of barley bread, washed down or on a matter of urgent business. His business, however, was with some very sharp Hymettus, a dinner; and that was rather urgent, and he did not hesitate to knock, that is to strike the door before noon than after it," sharply with a brass ring which was attached to it by a staple. The day-porter had gone home for the night, and the door was opened The meal was simple. It consisted of some fresh by the young slave mentioned above. He explained that his master anchovies, a piece of roast pork, a hare brought from Eubœa, for was just about to sit down to his evening meal. "Take him my Attica swept as it had been again and again by hostile armies, had

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 15 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

almost ceased to supply this favorite food, and a pudding of wheat "And we can have a hundred, or possibly, a hundred and flour, seasoned with spices. This last had been made by Hermione ten here, by straining every nerve. The Spartans have a hundred herself. The rest of the dinner had been cooked by a man who and forty, I think." came in daily for the purpose. When the viands had been cleared "A few may have been disabled in the battle; but it would away, Hippocles proposed the usual toast, "To our Good Fortune," not be safe to reckon on less, for very likely others have been the toast not being drank, but honored by pouring some drops dropping in since then." from the goblet. A second libation followed, this time to "Athene the Keeper of the City." The host then pledged his guest in a cup "Then Conon's party will turn the scale, and they will be of Chian wine. His daughter followed the rule of the best Grecian better manned, I take it, than any that we shall be able to send out families, and drank no wine. from here. They must not be lost to us. If they are, we shall do better not to send out the fleet at all, but to stand on our defence." "We can dispense, I think, with these," he said, when the steward was about to put some apples, nuts and olives on the "Is the Skylark in harbor now?" asked Callias. table. My readers must know that the Skylark was Hippocles' fast "Just so," replied his guest, "and this excellent cup of sailing yacht. Chian will be all the wine that I shall want." "Yes," was the reply, "she is in harbor and very much at "Now then for business," said Hippocles. "Let us hope that the service of the state." the city will pardon us for postponing it so long. But we must eat. "Trust me with her," said Callias, "and I will run the Shall my daughter leave us? For my part, I find her a very Athene blockade." for counsel." "I don't think it is possible," answered Hippocles. "I "As you will, sir," replied Callias, "I have nothing to say gathered from what you said that the Spartans are inside the but what all may know, and indeed will know before a day is harbor. Now you may give the slip to a blockading squadron when past." it is watching a harbor from the outside. They always keep close The young man then proceeded to tell the story with which to the mouth you see; and a really good craft, smartly handled, my readers are already acquainted. The question was briefly this: that can sail in the eye of the wind, and does not draw much How was Conon to be told that relief was coming? water, has always a good chance. I'll warrant the Skylark to do it, if it is to be done. But with the blockade inside the harbor, the "I see," said Hippocles, "that he must be told. He is a brave case is different and I must own that I don't see my way." fellow, and a good general, too, though perhaps a little rash. But he must make terms for himself and his men, unless he has a "May I speak, father?" said Hermione. project of relief. He would not doing his duty to the state if he did "Since when have you begun to ask leave to use your not. But if he capitulates before the relief comes—how many tongue, my darling?" replied her father with a smile. "You should ships has he?" hear her lecturing me when we are alone," he went on, turning to Plan of a large Grecian House, probably more pretentious his guest. "But our counselor is not used to speaking in an than the House of Hippocles. assembly." "Forty," said Callias. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 16 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Would it be of any use," said the girl, "to disguise the as a trader of Cos. I am a Dorian by birth, you know, and I can use Skylark, by painting her another color and altering the cut of her the broad vowels and the lisps to perfection I flatter myself. I say rigging?" Cos, because I happen to be particularly well acquainted with its "A good thought, my darling," replied her father, "and one dialect. I shall go to Callicratidas and tell him my story—what the that I shall certainly make use of. Now let me think; just for the story shall be I have not yet made up my mind, but it is not hard to present, things do not seem to piece themselves together." impose upon a Spartan. However leave all that to me. Go and tell the magistrates that I undertake to tell Conon that he will be He rose from the couch on which he had been reclining, relieved. And mind not a word to my daughter. I shall tell her that and paced up and down the room in profound thought. Fully half I am called away on important business. Very likely she will an hour had passed when he suddenly stopped short in his walk, guess something of the truth; but it would only trouble her to tell and turned to his daughter. her more." "My darling," he said, "I see that you are getting sleepy." "And the magistrates, sir?" asked Callias, "how much are "Sleepy, father?" cried the girl, who indeed was as wide they to know?" awake as possible, "sleepy? what can you mean? how could I "Nothing more, I think, than what I said, that Hippocles possibly feel sleepy, when we are talking about such things?" the Alien undertakes to communicate with Conon. I don't doubt "Nevertheless your father says it," replied Hippocles, "and the good faith and discretion of our friends; but the fewer there are fathers are never mistaken." And he laid his hand upon her in the secret of such a plan, the better. Keep a thing in your own shoulder. mind, I say. If you whisper a secret even unto the earth, when the reed grows up it will repeat it. You will say simply that it is a Without another word Hermione rose from her chair, matter which it is well for the state to conceal. If I succeed, I kissed her father, held out her hand again to Callias, and left the justify myself; if not—well, I take it, no man's anger here will room. concern me much. And now farewell! Don't vex yourself about Hippocles waited for a few minutes, and then sat down on me. All will turn out well; and if not—how can a man die better the couch by Callias' side. "You will have guessed," he said "that I than in saving Athens. All my affairs are arranged, if I should not wanted the girl away. I wish that I had never let her stay; now she return. My patron Melesippus will, of course, be my executor, and will suspect something; but it cannot be helped. Now, listen. What I have ventured to join your name with his in the trust? Have I the girl said about disguising the Skylark set me thinking. That your permission?" will be useful another time; indeed I shall do it now. But it won't Callias pressed his hand in silence. do all that we want. Disguised or not disguised, I don't see how she is to get past the Spartan ships in Mitylene harbor. Now we "That is well, and now my mind is easy. And now," he must try a bolder play. I shall disguise myself, and go." went on in a cheerful tone, "farewell again; but before you go, we must have a libation to Hermione who for the next ten days must "You, sir," cried Callias in astonishment. "But think of the be my special patron. If I come back safe,I will regild this temple danger." from roof to basement." "Well," replied Hippocles, "we cannot expect to get The libation was duly poured, and the vow repeated as the anything really valuable without danger. And I am something of a drops fell upon the ground. fatalist. What will be will be. Now listen: I shall disguise myself Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 17 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

certainly rather against his life than otherwise, nor did she realize CHAPTER V the extraordinary haste with which the work was being pressed on, though she was generally aware that, a good deal of expedition was being used. Hence she was taken by surprise, when on the RUNNING THE BLOCKADE eighth day instead of her father's usual visit, timed so that he might share her noonday meal, a written message was delivered to Hippocles, who was a shipbuilder as well as a merchant, her, to the effect that her father was suddenly called away from put all available hands to work on the alterations which he Athens on business of importance, and that he could not be certain proposed to make in the Skylark. To disguise her effectually was a of the day of his return. The surprise almost overwhelmed her, more difficult thing than Hermione had imagined when she had chiefly because she felt that this unusual hurry on the part of her suggested this idea. To disguise her beyond all risk of discovery father was significant of the perilous nature of the enterprise. It was probably impossible, a landsman might be deceived by was only her unusual fortitude, backed by the feeling that she different colored paint, and a nautical observer, if he did not give herself must not deviate from doing her duty, that enabled her to more than a casual glance, by an altered rigging. But the lines of bear up at all. the ship would remain. These Hippocles endeavored to conceal by Meanwhile Hippocles was on his way to the scene of a false and much broader bow which was ingeniously fitted on to action. The Skylark crossed the Aegean without meeting with any the true hull, and which made her look anything but the fast sailer misadventure. She was overhauled, indeed, when about half her that she really was. Heavy bulwarks were substituted for the light journey was accomplished by an Athenian cruiser, and her owner ones that had been a familiar feature of the Skylark. Altogether had the satisfaction of finding that so far his disguise was she was metamorphosed in a fairly satisfactory way from a smart successful. The Athenian captain was an acquaintance of his own yacht into a clumsy merchantman. As the venturous owner (indeed there were few prominent people in the city to whom he intended to time his arrival for the night, and to do his errand was not known) and had actually been on board the Skylark more before daybreak, he hoped that the disguise would save her as than once; but he did not recognize either Hippocles or his vessel. long as it should be wanted. In fact he was about to carry her off as a prize when Hippocles, So much energy did the workmen, stimulated by their still without discovering himself, produced the pass with which he master's presence and by his liberal promises of remuneration, had been provided under the seal of the Athenian authorities. His throw into their work, that by the evening of the seventh day the arrival at Mitylene was happily timed in more ways than one. By a Skylark was ready for sea in her new dress, disguised beyond stroke of that good fortune which is proverbially said to help the recognition, except by very skillful eyes indeed. The dockyard had bold, it so happened that there was a violent north-east wind been strictly closed against all visitors while the work was in blowing. This was a wind from which the harbor of Mitylene progress, and the men had been lodged within its walls, so that no afforded little or no shelter. In fact, when it was blowing, most hint of what was going on might leak out. Hippocles had paid a sailors preferred to be out on the open sea. Hippocles accordingly daily visit to his home, and did not conceal from his daughter that found everything in commotion. The blockading ships, which lie was busy in carrying out her suggestions. So frank, indeed, was moored as they were across the mouth of the harbor, felt the full he, and so cheerful in manner, that the girl was fairly thrown off force of the wind, were anxious about their moorings, and had her guard. Not a suspicion crossed her mind, that her father was little attention to give to any strange ship. The Skylark was in fact meditating a desperate enterprise in which the chances were hardly noticed in the darkness and confusion, and actually got Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 18 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

beyond the line of the blockading galleys, and as far as the aristocratic to Sparta. This was especially true of the states which admiral's ship, without being challenged. For a few moments he were called the allies but were really the subjects or tributaries of thought of boldly pushing on to the inner part of the harbor, Athens. A turn of the political wheels that brought the aristocrats where, as has been said, the remainder of the Athenian fleet was to the top was commonly followed by a revolt from the sovereign lying hauled up under the walls; but when he was hailed by a state; when, as was usually the case, they remained underneath, voice from a Spartan ship, one of two that lay almost directly in they busied themselves in plotting for a change, and their first step his way, he abandoned the idea. "Anaxilaus, merchant of Cos, to was to open communications with the Spartan general or admiral see the admiral, on business of importance," was his reply to the in command. challenge. At the last moment he dropped his anchor. A few In Cos the popular or pro-Athenian party was in the minutes afterwards he came on board the admiral's galley and ascendant, and their opponents were weak. The fact was that the reported himself to that officer. Spartans were not in good repute there. Six years before their It would be unjust to Callicratidas—for this was the admiral Astyochus had plundered the island laying hands admiral's name—to describe him as a model Spartan. He was impartially on the property of friends and of foes. Still there was a rather a model Greek. The Spartans had great virtues which party which remained faithful to Sparta, and Hippocles preferred however, it is curious to observe, seldom survived transplantation to speak as their representative. His wide-spread connections as a from their native soil. They were frugal, temperate, and just; but merchant—and Cos had a large trade with its famous vintages and they were narrow in their habits of thought and their conceptions equally famous woven stuffs—gave him a knowledge of details of duty. A good soldier whose efficiency was not diminished by and persons that would have deceived a far more acute and any vice was their ideal man: They could not enter into any large suspicious person than Callicratidas. and liberal views of life. And their views of statesmanship The merchant began the conversation by offering the whether as regarded their own city or the whole race in general admiral a present of wine, and one of those almost transparent were as narrow as were their notions of private virtue. They robes of silk that were a specialty of the island. sometimes showed a great amount of diplomatic skill, a strange contrast with the bluntness which was their traditional "I will not be so churlish as to refuse what you have the characteristic, but of wide and general views they seem to have good will to offer me," said Callicratidas, "but you must been incapable. Yet Callicratidas seems to have been an understand that I do not accept these things for myself. I accept no exception. We know comparatively little about him. He emerges personal gifts; it is a dangerous practice, and has given rise to from absolute obscurity at the beginning of the year with which much scandal. I shall send them to Sparta, and the magistrates will my story opens, and it is only for a few months that he plays a dispose of them as they think fit. "What is this?" he went on, conspicuous part in history, but from now up to the hour when we taking up the robe and holding it between his eyes and the lamp. see him for the last time, all his words and acts are marked with a "'What do you use it for? for straining the wine?" rare nobility. Hippocles explained that it was a material for garments. It was not difficult for Hippocles to invent a story which "Garments!" exclaimed the Spartan, "why, we might as should account for his presence at Mitylene. The domestic polities well wear a spider's web. It is not clothing at all. It neither warms of almost every Greek state were mixed up with the great struggle nor covers. Is it possible that there are people so foolish as to that was going on between Athens and Sparta. Everywhere the spend their money on it? It is costly, I suppose?" democratic party looked to Athens as its champion, the Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 19 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"As you ask me," replied Hippocles, "I may say that it wish to all the gods that I could do something to bring this costs about two minas a yard." wretched war to an end. Why should not Athens and Sparta be "Two minas a yard!" cried Callicratidas, whose Spartan friends as they were in the old days? Surely that would be better frugality was scandalized at such a price. "Why," he added after a than our going on flying at each other's throats as we have been short calculation, "it is very nearly a seaman's pay for a year, are doing for now nearly twenty years past, while the Persian stands there many who buy such costly stuff?" by, and laughs to see us play his game. Where should we be—you seem an honest man, by your face, though I cannot say that I "A dress of this material is the top of the fashion for ladies particularly like the errand on which you have come—where in Athens and Corinth." should we be, I ask, if we had shown this accursed folly twenty- "What?" said the Spartan, "do women wear such things? It odd years ago, when Xerxes brought up all Asia against us? As it is incredible. I have always thought that things had changed for was we stood shoulder to shoulder, and Greece was saved. And the worse at home, but we have not got so far as that. And now for now we have to go cap in hand, and beg of the very Persians who your business." are only biding their time to make slaves of us. I tell you, sir, I feel hot with shame at the thought of what I have had myself to Hippocles explained that there was a dissatisfied party in put up with in this way. When I came here I found the pay-chest Cos which was very anxious to get rid of Athenian rule. "We are empty; I don't want to complain of anybody, so I won't say how not strong enough," he went on, "to do it of ourselves, but send on this came about; but that was the fact, it was empty; the men had a force and we will open the gates to you. Cos is a strong place had no wages for some time, and they would very soon have had now, since the Athenians fortified it, and, I should think, quite no food. I asked my officers for advice. "'You must go to Cyrus,' worth having." they said, 'Cyrus is pay-master.' It was a bitter draught to swallow, "And if we put you in power," said the admiral, "you but I managed to get it down. I went to his palace at Sardis. 'Tell would begin, I suppose, by putting all your opponents to death." your master,' I said to the slave who came to the door, a gorgeous creature whose dress I am sure I could not afford to buy, 'tell your Callicratidas was quite a different person from what master that Callicratidas, admiral of the Spartan fleet, is here, and Hippocles, with his former experience of Spartans in command, wishes to speak with him.' The fellow left me standing outside, had expected to find. His disinterestedness, simplicity and and went to deliver his message. After I had waited till my directness were embarrassing, and made him not a little ashamed patience was almost exhausted, the man came back, and said of the part that he was playing. He would have dearly liked to 'Cyrus is not at leisure to see you. He is drinking.' Well, I put up speak out of his own heart to a man who was transparently honest with that. 'Very good,' I said, 'I will wait till he has done drinking.' and well-meaning, but in his position it was impossible. I thought that I would go earlier the next day, though even then it "We have, as you may suppose, sir," he said in answer to was scarcely an hour after noon. So I went at a time when I this last suggestion, "a great many injuries to avenge, but we thought that he could not possibly have taken to his cups, and should not wish to do anything that does not with your approval." asked again to see him. This time they had not the grace even to make an excuse. 'Cyrus is not at leisure to see you,' was the "The whole thing does not meet with my approval," said, answer, and nothing more. That was more than I could stand, and the Spartan, "I hate these perpetual plots; I hate to see every city I went away. I vowed that day, and believe me it was not only divided against itself, and see the big persons in Greece hounding because I had myself been insulted, that if I lived to go home, I them on to bloody deeds, and making our own gain out of them. I would do my very best to bring Sparta and Athens together again. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 20 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

And now, sir, as to your business. I will send home a report of what you say. If the authorities direct me to take any action in the CHAPTER VI matter, I shall do my best to take it with effect, but I tell you frankly that this idea does not commend itself to me, and let me give you a bit of advice: do your best to make peace in your city, ARGINUSAE as I shall do my best to make peace in Greece. Depend upon it, that if we don't, we shall have some one coming down upon us At Athens, meanwhile, the relieving fleet was being fitted, from outside. It may be the Persian, though he does not seem to out with a feverish energy such as had never been witnessed me to have improved as a soldier; it may be the Macedonian, who within the memory of man. Nine years before, indeed, is a sturdy fellow, and helps us already to fight our battles. preparations on a larger scale, if cost and magnificence are to be Whoever it is he will find us helpless with an endless quarrel and taken into account, had been made for the disastrous expedition will make short work with us. And now good night." against Syracuse; but there was all the difference in the world between the temper of the city at the one time and at the other. Hippocles left the Spartan admiral full of admiration for Athens was at the height of her strength and her wealth when she his manly and patriotic temper, and not at all pleased that he had sent out her armament, splendid, so to speak, with silver and gold, been obliged to play a false part with a man so transparently against Syracuse. It was a mighty effort, but she did it, one may honest. almost say, out of the superfluity of her strength. Now she was About an hour after midnight the harbor was alarmed by sadly reduced in population and in revenue; she was struggling the cry that the ship from Cos had parted from her moorings. not for conquest but for life; she was making her last effort, and Hippocles had taken advantage of a temporary increase in the spending on it her last talent, her last man. To find a juster parallel force of the wind to cut his cables, and to drift toward the it would have been necessary to go back a life-time, to the day Athenian part of the harbor. Nobody was able to answer the cry when the Athenians gave up their homes and the temples of their for help, even if it had not been purposely raised too late. The gods to the Persian invaders, falling back on their last defences, Skylark had run the blockade, and Conon knew that he was to be the "wooden walls" of their ships. Many men had heard from relieved. father or grandfather, it was just possible that one or two tottering veterans may have seen with their own eyes, how on that day a band of youths, the very flower of the Athenian aristocracy, headed by Cimon, the son of Miltiades, had marched with a gay alacrity through the weeping multitude, to bang up their bridles in the temple of Athene. For the time the goddess needed not horsemen but seamen, and they gave her the service that she asked for. Now the same sight was seen again. Again the knights, the well-born and wealthy citizens of Athens, dedicated their bridles to the patron goddess, and went to serve as mariners on board the fleet. Every ship that could float was hastily repaired and equipped. Old hulks that had been lying in dock since the palmy days when the veteran Phormion led the fleet of Athens to certain victory, were launched again and manned. In this way the almost Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 21 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

unprecedented number of one hundred and ten triremes were got surprise. What success his bold and energetic action would have ready. To man these a general levy of the population was made. had we can only guess. The stars in their courses fought against Everyone within the age of service not actually disabled by him. A violent thunderstorm with heavy rain came on, and sickness, was taken to form the crews, and not a few who had prevented him from putting to sea. passed the limit volunteered. Even then the quota had to be made The next day was fine and calm and the two fleets were up by slaves, who were promised their freedom in return for their early afloat. Their arrangement and plan of action showed a services. It was a stupendous effort, and one which Athens made curious contrast, a contrast such as was almost enough to make with her own strength. These were not mercenaries, but her own one of the great Athenian seamen of the past turn in his grave. The sons whom she was sending out to make their last struggle for life. Athenian ships were massed together; the Spartans and their allies Night and day the preparations were carried on, and before a were formed in a single line. Callias, who had never before been month was out from the day on which the tidings of the disaster at present at a great sea fight, but who had taken pains to acquire as Mitylene reached the city, the fleet was ready to sail. Its much professional knowledge as he could, expressed his surprise destination was Samos, an island that had remained faithful to to Diomedon. "How is this, sir?" he said, "how can our ships Athens even after the disastrous end of the war in Sicily. Here it maneuver when they are packed together in this fashion?" was joined by a contingent of forty ships, made up of the same squadron scattered about the Aegean, the two triremes of Diomedon, an old sailor who had been afloat for nearly Diomedon being among them. Diomedon was related to Callias, forty years, smiled somewhat bitterly as he answered. and the young man asked and obtained leave from the captain "Maneuver, my dear boy! That is exactly what we want to with whom he had sailed from Athens to transfer himself to his avoid. We can't do it ourselves, and we don't mean to let our ship. enemies do it, if it can be helped. The generation that could A battle was imminent. The Spartan admiral had left fifty maneuver is gone. Five and twenty years of fighting have used it ships to maintain the blockade of Mitylene, and sailed to meet the up. But, happily, we can still fight, at least such a fleet as we have relieving force. His numbers were inferior, but pride, and perhaps got to-day, the real Athenian grit, can fight. If the weather holds policy, forbade him to decline the combat. He had made a haughty fine, and I think it will for the day, though I don't quite like the boast to Conon, and he had to make it good. "The sea is Sparta's looks of the sky, we shall do well, because we shall be able to bride," he had said. "I will stop your insults to her." His fleet was keep together now off Cape Malta, the south-eastern promontory of Lesbos. The The arrangement of the Athenian line may be very briefly Athenians had taken up their position at some little islands described. It had two strong wings, each consisting of sixty ships, between it and the mainland, the Arginusae, or White Cliffs, as formed in four squadrons of fifteen. These wings consisted wholly the name may be translated, a name destined to become notable as of Athenian galleys; the contingents of the allies were posted in the scene of the great city's last victory. the centre, and were in single line, either because they were better Callicratidas had watched the arrival of the Athenians, and sailors, or because, as being directly in front of the group of islets, had concluded that, according to the usual custom of Greek they were protected by their position. sailors, they would take their evening meal on shore. Before long The policy of the Athenian commander was successful. the fires lighted over all the group of islets showed that he was Arginusae was not a battle of skillful maneuvers, but of hard right. His own men had supped, and they were ordered to embark fighting. Such battles are, often determined by the fate of the in all haste and make an attack which would probably be a Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 22 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

general, and so it was that day. Callicratidas, had that pride of there could be no doubt that the victory remained with the valor which had often done such great things for Sparta and for Athenians. Their losses were serious, nearly a fifth of their force, Greece, but which some times resulted in immediate disaster. His or to give the numbers exactly, twenty-nine ships out of one sailing master, a man of Megara, had advised him to decline a hundred and fifty. But they had inflicted much more damage than battle. A rapid survey of the position, of the numbers of the enemy they had suffered. Out of the small squadron of Spartan ships, ten and of the tactics which they were evidently intending to pursue, in number, nine had been destroyed; and more than sixty had convinced this skillful, experienced seaman, that the chances belonging to the various allied contingents were either sunk or were against him. Callicratidas would not listen to him. "If I taken. The fifty that remained—and there were barely fifty of perish," he said, "Sparta will not be one whit the worse off." It them—made the best of their way either to the friendly island of was the answer of a man who was as modest as he was brave; but Chios, or to Phocaea on the mainland. Without doubt the it was not to the point. Sparta would be a great deal worse off if Athenians had won a great victory. Whether the opportunity could she lost not only him—and he was worth considering—but, as have been used to restore permanently the fortunes of the city, is actually happened, nearly the half of her fleet. doubtful; but it is certain that it was lamentably wasted. The signal to advance was passed along the line, and the admiral himself took up his place in the foremost ship. The whole fleet could see him as he stood a conspicuous figure in the lead. His stately and chivalrous presence, the feeling that it was a privilege to follow him anywhere, gave, for a time, an effective encouragement. But the loss was proportionately great when that presence was removed. Early in the day his ship endeavored to ram that which carried the Athenian admiral Diomedon, itself in the van of the opposing force. Diomedon himself was at the rudder and managed his galley with remarkable skill. He avoided or rather half avoided the blow of the enemy's boat, and this in such a way that the Spartan admiral lost his balance, and fell into the water. Callias, who was standing on the rear of the Athenian galley, at the head of a detachment of men ready either to board or to repel boarders, endeavored to save him; but the weight of his armor was fatal. He sank almost instantaneously. His death, it is easy to believe, cost Athens even more than it cost Sparta. It would have been infinitely better for her to fall into his hands than to have to sue for terms, as she did not many months afterwards, to the less generous Lysander. The battle lasted for several hours. About noon the weather became threatening. The wind changed to the south-west and the sea began to rise. By general consent the struggle was suspended. Both sides had fought with conspicuous valor, but Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 23 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

been performed. One of them—I will mention no names— CHAPTER VII positively insulted me. 'Diomedon,' he said, 'has doubtless had enough fighting for the day.' Why, in the name of Athene, do they put such lowbred villains into office. The fellow has a long AFTER THE FIGHT tongue, and so the people elect him. I 'tired of fighting' indeed? I might have some excuse if I were, for I was hard at it, when he A council of war was held by the Athenian admirals on was a thievish boy, picking up unconsidered trifles in the market- one of the Arginusae islets as soon as they could meet after the place. Well; the end of it was that we came to a sort of fighting had come to an end. Callias, by Diomedon's desire, compromise. Forty-odd ships are to go and save what can be waited outside the tent in which the deliberations were being held, saved from the wrecks—the gods only know how many will be and could not help hearing, so high were the voices of the left by this time—while the rest are to make the best of their way speakers raised, that there was an angry argument about the course to Mitylene, and cut off the blockading squadron." to be pursued. The intolerably clumsy system of having ten "And you, sir?" asked Callias, "with which squadron are generals of equal authority was on its trial, if indeed any trial was you to be?" needed, and was once more found wanting. Even if the right decision should be reached, time was being wasted, time that, as "I am to go to Mitylene, of course, after what that fellow we shall see, was of a value absolutely incalculable. said, I could not ask to have the other duty; but I feel that it is what I ought to be doing." When at last the council broke up—its deliberations had lasted for more than an hour—and Diomedon rejoined the young "Who is to have it, sir," said Callias. officer, he wore a gloomy and anxious look. "No one, if you will believe it," answered the admiral, with "I am afraid," he said, "that mischief will come of this. I an angry stamp of the foot. "I mean no one of ourselves, of the feel it so strongly that, though I ought not, perhaps, to tell outside Ten. They are all so anxious to follow up the victory, as they put the council what has been going on within, I must call you to it, and make a great show of taking Spartan ships, that they will witness. I did my very best to persuade my colleagues. 'Our first not take the trouble. Theramenes and Thrasybulus are to do it. I business,' I said, 'is to save our friends. There were twenty-six know that they have been in command in former years and may be ships,' I said, 'disabled. A few were sunk on the spot; others, I am supposed to be competent. Thrasybulus, too, is trustworthy; but afraid, have gone down since; but more than half, I hope, are still Theramenes—to put it plainly—is a scoundrel. You know that I afloat. Even where the ship is gone already, there are sure to be don't care about politics; I am a plain sailor and leave such things some of the crew who have been able to keep themselves afloat to others; but I say this, politics or no politics, a man who turns either by swimming or by holding on to floating stuff. For the against his friends is a scoundrel. I don't know what trick he is not sake of the gods, gentlemen,'—I give you my very words—'don't capable of playing. Anyhow, whether these two do the business ill lose another moment. We have lost too many already. Send every or well, one of the Ten ought to go. It would be better; and I am seaworthy ship that you have got to the rescue of the shipwrecked. sure trouble will come of our not going. Mind this is all in It is better to let ten enemies escape, than lose a single friend.' confidence. You are never to breathe a word of it, till I give you They would not listen to me. They were bent, they said, on leave." following up their victory, an excellent thing, I allow; but only "And am I to go with you, sir?" said Callias. when the first duty of making all that you have got quite safe has Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 24 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"No," was the answer; "I forgot to tell you; the worry of all day that had been lost, and the very little good that the clumsy this put it out of my mind. You are to take the despatch to boat-builders had been able to do for him, when he found himself Athens." being rapidly overhauled by a vessel which had not long before "But the shipwrecked men"—exclaimed Callias. "We must hove in sight. Before noon he recognized the cut of the disguised obey orders." Skylark, and at once ran up a signal which Hippocles whom he supposed to be on board would, he knew, recognize. The signal An hour afterward Callias was on his way to Athens; the was immediately answered, and before another half hour had storm had now increased to something like a gale. As the waves passed the Skylark was along-side. After a brief colloquy it was came from the south it was impossible to take a straight course for arranged that the Swallow should make the best of her way to the point in view, lying as it did almost due west. Few ships in Samos, where there was an arsenal in which she could be properly those days could keep a straight line with the wind on the quarter. repaired and that Callias with his despatches should take his Indeed it was soon impossible to keep up any sail at all, nor was it passage to Athens in the yacht. safe, even if the strength of the rowers already wearied by the labors of the day had permitted it, to keep the ship broadside to Hippocles was acquainted with the general fact that the the waves. Nothing remained but to put her about and drive before Athenian fleet had won a great victory; but he knew no details, the wind, a sail being now hoisted again and the rowers exerting and was eager to hear from the lips of one who had taken a part in themselves to the utmost to avoid being "pooped" by the heavy the action. And he had much that was interesting to say to his waves. Toward morning the wind moderated, but by that time the young friend. The three weeks which he had spent in Mitylene Swallow, for that was the name of the despatch-boat which had with the blockaded squadron had not made him hopeful about the been told off for the service, had been driven as much as fifty first issue of the war. He had found that Conon was not hopeful, miles out of her course. This would not have been of much and Conon was as able and intelligent an officer as Athens had in consequence, but that the timber of the Swallow had been so her service. strained by her battle with the sea that she began to leak "This has been a stupendous effort on the part of the city," inconveniently, if not dangerously. Her crew, too, were now in he said, "and it has saved us for a time, but it can't be kept up and urgent need of rest. Under ordinary circumstances, Chios, which it can't be repeated. Athens is like a gambler reduced to his last could be seen, as the day broke, about ten miles on the right bow, stake. He wins it; very good. But then he has to throw again; and would have afforded a convenient shelter; but Chios was in the as often as he throws, it is the same—if he loses, he loses all. And, hands of the enemy. The little island of Vara, lying some ten miles sooner or later, lose he must. In the long run the chances are to the north-west, was the only alternative. Here Callias, much against us. We have lost our morale. I saw a good deal of Conon's against his will, for he feared that his news would be anticipated, men when I was shut up, and I thought very badly of them; and he was compelled to stop, the captain of the despatch-boat refusing to thinks badly, too, I know. It is only a question of time. Do you proceed, until vessel and men were better able to face the weather. know," he went on, sinking his voice to a whisper—"and mark As it turned out, the delay did no harm. In fact it was the you, this is a thing that I should not venture to say to anyone in the means of his reaching Athens with more speed and safety than he world but you—I am half inclined to wish that we had been might otherwise have done. A day indeed was lost in doing such beaten in the last battle—that is, if Callicratidas had lived. A noble repairs as the imperfect resources of the little island permitted, but fellow indeed! Do you know that he let the Athenians whom he on the morrow, Callias set out again, and was groaning over the took at Methymna go on their parole? Any one else would have sold them for slaves." Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 25 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Well," said Callus, who was a little staggered by his friend's view of affairs, "as your hero is drowned—mind that I CHAPTER VIII quite agree in what you say of him—perhaps it is better that things have turned out as they have. And I can't believe that our chances are as bad as you make out. Anyhow we are better off than when I THE NEWS AT ATHENS saw you last." The Skylark excelled herself in the display of her sailing "I hope so; I hope so"; said Hippocles in a despondent qualities. Thanks to this, Callias, in spite of the untoward delays tone. "But they might have done better. For instance, we have let which had occurred on his journey, was the first to bring the blockading squadron at Mitylene escape." intelligence of the victory to Athens. The news ran like wild fire "How was that?" asked Callias. "Did you see nothing of through the city, gathering, as may be supposed, a vast number of our fleet. It was to sail northward at once." imaginary details, as it passed from mouth to mouth, and the "No—I never saw or heard of it. Now listen to what assembly which was called by proclamation for the next day, to happened. On the day after the battle—though of course I knew hear the reading of the despatches, was, considering the empty nothing of what happened—two despatch-boats came into the condition of the city, most unusually crowded. No one who could harbor—so at least everyone thought—and the second had crawl to the market-place was absent, and all the entrances and wreaths on mast and stern, as if it had brought good news. And approaches were thronged by women, children, and slaves. The Eteonicus—he was in command of the blockading squadron—was first stress of fear had been relieved, for it was known that a good enough to send us a herald with the intelligence that victory had been won; but there was still much room for anxiety. Callicratidas had won a great sea fight, and that the whole of the The victory had not been gained without cost—no victories ever Athenian fleet had been destroyed. Of course we did not quite were—and it was only too probable that in this case the cost had believe that, but if only a quarter of it was true, it was not pleasant been heavy. The despatch was brief and formal. It told the hearing. My old sailing master, who has as sharp eyes as any man numbers engaged, and the order of formation, with the number of I know, said to me. 'My belief, sir, is that it is all nonsense about hostile vessels captured or sunk. It mentioned the fact that there this great victory, and that the second boat was only the first had been losses on the side of the conquerors, and promised dressed up. I observed them both particularly, and they were details when there should have been time to ascertain the facts. amazingly alike. In both the bow side oars were just a little behind After the assembly had been dismissed, Callias was the stroke, and one of the oars, I noticed, was a new one, and not overwhelmed with enquiries. To these he thought it well to return painted like the rest. And why should the man take the trouble to very vague answers. The fact was that there was much that he tell us about the victory as he calls it. If it is true, he has us safe, knew and much that he did not know. He knew the name of more and can cut us up at his leisure. No, sir, I don't believe a word of than one of the ships that had been sunk or disabled. Two or three it.' Well, I was not certain that the old man was right, but I had been run down before his eyes. About others he had strongly suspected that he was. Anyhow I was so convinced of it information almost equally certain. He could have told some of that I spent the whole night in getting ready; and, sure enough, the his questioners what would have confirmed their worst fears. On next morning the blockading squadron had slipped off, with the other hand he could not give anything like a complete list of nobody to hinder them." the losses. Some enquirers he could reassure. He had seen or even "That was a very smart trick for a Spartan," said Callias. talked to their friends after the battle. All the admirals, he knew, Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 26 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

were safe. And steps, he was sure, had been taken to rescue the The young man immediately left his place and shipwrecked crews. On the subject of Diomedon's fears he accompanied the veteran to one of the small chambers leading preserved absolute silence. If any disaster had happened, it was from the hall. only too sure to be heard of before long. "And now tell me all about it," he said, when they were On the evening of the day of assembly a great banquet was seated. held in the Prytaneum, or Town-hall of Athens. Such a banquet Callias gave him as full an account as he could of all that was always an interesting sight, and on this occasion Callias, as he he had seen during the campaign. Myronides plied him with witnessed it for the first time, also saw it to the very greatest questions that showed an intelligence of unabated vigor. The advantage. All the public guests of the city that were not absent, armament and sailing qualities of the ships, the morale and on active service, or were not positively hindered from coming by physique of the crews, every detail, in fact, that concerned the age or infirmity were present. The ranks of these veterans were efficiency of the force that Athens had in the field, were subjects indeed sadly thinned. The war had been curiously deadly to of liveliest interest to the old man. When he had heard all that his officers high in command. The fatal expedition to Sicily had young kinsman had to say, he heaved a deep sigh. "Ah! my dear swept off many of the most distinguished. Others had fallen in the boy," he said, "things have come to a pretty pass with Athens. As "little wars" in which Athens like all states that have wide an old soldier I know what some of the things that you tell me dominions had been perpetually involved. One famous survivor of mean better than you do yourself. We are near the beginning of a generation that had long since passed away was there, the end, and I can only hope that I shall be gone when the end Myronides, the victor of Œnophyta. The old man had been born in itself comes. I don't mean that this is not a great victory that the Marathon year, and was therefore now eighty-four. His life, it Diomedon and the rest of them have won; but it is a victory that will be seen, embraced with remarkable exactitude the period of will never be won again. In the very nature of things it can not. Do the greatness of Athens. The victory that had made him famous you think that the old men and boys that I won the day with at had been won fifty-one years before, and had been, so to speak, Œnophyta would have sufficed for a regular force, a force that the the "high water mark" of Athenian dominion. He had lived to see city could rely on? Of course not. I could not even have afforded almost its lowest ebb, though happily for himself as he died before to risk the chance if they had not had something strong behind the year was out, he was spared from seeing the absolute ruin of them. But now what is there? Old men and boys, and nothing his country. Callias was distantly related to him and was on terms behind them. The slaves, you say? Very good; they fought very of as close a friendship as the difference of age permitted with his well, I hear. And of course they will get their freedom. Do you son Eteonicus, one of the ablest and most patriotic statesmen of think that they will fight as well again after they have got it? Why the time. After the libation which was the usual signal for the wine should they? A man may as well die as be a slave, and so they drinking, had been poured, the old man rose from his place, as his might very well risk their lives to get free. But, once free, why habit was, and walked down the hell, touching our hero on his should they risk them again?" shoulder as he passed. "What!" cried Callias, "not to keep the Spartans out of "Come," he said, as Callias looked up, "if you can spare Athens?" half an hour from the wine cup to bear an old man company." "You talk as an Athenian," said the old man, "and they are not Athenians. You and I, I allow, would sooner die than see Spartans within the walls: but what would it matter to them? They Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 27 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

could eat and drink, buy and sell just as comfortably whoever of a neighboring house opened, and a party of four young men might be their masters. Yes, my son; it is all over with a city that issued from it into the street. has to fall back on its slaves. There is only one chance, and that is "Ah!" cried one of them, "'tis the sober Callias. Seize him, to make peace now, before we lose all that we have gained. But Glaucus and Eudaemon, and make him come with us." what chance is there of that? Is there anyone who would even dare to propose such a thing?" The two men addressed ran up to our hero, and laid hold each of an arm. "You would, sir," said the young man. "You are a prisoner of my spear," said the first speaker, "Yes, I might; but to what profit? I don't suppose they whose name, I may say, was Ctesiphon, "and may as well submit would do me any harm. 'Poor old man!' they would say, 'he dotes.' to your fate with as much grace as possible. You shall not suffer But as for listening to me—I know better than that. Is there one of anything unendurable, and shall be released at the proper time. the responsible statesmen who would venture to give such advice? Meanwhile you must join our expedition." Would my son Eteonicus venture? Not he; and yet he is a sensible and honest young, man, and knows that I am right. But it would "I submit," said Callias, willing, perhaps, to have the be as much as his life, or, what he values more, his whole career is question that had been puzzling him settled for him. "But tell me; worth, to hint at such thing. Oh! what opportunities I have seen if I have to follow you, whither you are bound." lost in this way. Unfortunately a victory makes the Athenians "We are going to the house of Euctemon, where there will quite impracticable. They don't seem capable of realizing that the be something, I know, worth seeing and hearing." wheel is certain to take a turn. But you have had enough of an old man's croakings. The gods grant that these things may turn out "But I am a stranger," said Callias. better than my fears! And now give me your arm to the gate, "A stranger!" cried Ctesiphon, "you are no such thing. The where my people will be waiting for me." man who brings good news to Athens is the friend of everybody. Callias conducted the old man to the door, and saw him Besides Euctemon is my first cousin, and he is always pleased to put safely into the litter which was waiting for him. He then stood see my friends. You should have been at his dinner, but that there meditating how he should dispose of himself for the rest of the was no room on his couches for more guests. But now when the evening. He was unwilling to return to the banquet. Questions tables are removed we shall easily find places. But come along or would be put to him, he knew, by many of the guests to which it we shall lose something." would be difficult either to give or to refuse an answer. He would There was no want of heartiness in Euctemon's greeting to gladly, indeed, have hidden himself altogether till the fuller his new guests. To Callias he was especially polite, making room despatches should have arrived, which would relieve him of the for him on his own couch. When the new arrivals were settled in necessity of playing any longer the difficult part which had been their places, the host clapped his hands. A white-haired freedman, imposed upon him. His thoughts naturally turned to Hippocles and who acted as major-domo, appeared. Hermione, and, he had already taken some steps in the direction of the Piraeus, when the thought occurred to him that he was "We are ready for Stephanos," said Euctemon. scarcely on terms of such intimacy with the family as would A few minutes afterwards a figure appeared, so curiously warrant a visit at so late an hour. As he stood irresolute, the door like the traditional representations of Homer that everyone was startled. Stephanos was a rhapsodist, or professional writer, and he

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 28 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

had made it one of the aims of his life to imitate as closely as he chorus from a play which he was then composing, the last and could the most distinguished member that his profession could ripest fruit of his genius—the "Œdipus in Colonus." The verses boast. In early life he had been a school master, and an accident, if had had a singular success, as indeed they deserved to have, in we may so describe a blow from the staff of a haughty young catching the popular fancy. They were exquisitely beautiful, and aristocrat, whom he had ventured to chastise, had deprived him of they were full of patriotic pride. Everyone had them on his lips; sight. His professional education had included the knowledge of and before they had time to grow hackneyed, the interest in them the authors whom the Greeks looked upon as classics, Homer had been revived by the death of the veteran poet himself. holding the first place among them, and he was glad to turn this "Let us have the 'Praises of Athens' by Sophocles the son knowledge to account, when he was no longer able to teach. In of Sophilus of Colonus." this occupation too his blindness could be utilized. It had its usual effect of strengthening the memory, and it helped him to look the The choice met with a shout of applause. The minstrel part, which, as has been said, he aspired to play. played a brief prelude on his harp in the Dorian or martial mood, and then began: The blind minstrel was guided to the seat which had been reserved for him in the middle of the company by an attendant, "Swell the song of praise again; who also carried his harp. Other boons demand my strain, Other blessings we inherit, "What shall we have, gentlemen?" asked the host. "You Granted by the mighty spirit; will hardly find anything worth learning that Stephanos does not On the sea and on the shore, know." Ours the bridle and the oar. The guests had various tastes, so various that it seemed Son of Chronos old whose sway very difficult to make a choice. One wanted the story of the Stormy winds and waves obey, Cyclops, another the tale as told by Demodocus to Alcinous and Thine be heaven's well-earned meed, the Phaeacian princes, of the loves of Ares and Aphrodite. A third, Tamer of the champing steed; of a more sober turn of mind, called for one of the didactic poems First he wore on Attic plain of Solon, and a fourth would have one of the martial elegies with Bit of steel and curbing rein. which the old Athenian bard Tyrtaeus stirred, as was said, the Oft too, o'er the water blue, spirits of the Spartan warriors. Athens strains thy laboring crew; Practiced hands the barks are plying, "Let Callias, the bringer of good news, name it," said Oars are bending, spray is flying, Euctemon, after some dozen suggestions had been made. The Sunny waves beneath them glancing. proposal was received with a murmur of approval. Sportive myriads round them dancing, The young man thought for a moment. Then a happy idea With their hundred feet in motion, struck him. About a year before there had occurred an incident Twinkling 'mid the foam of ocean." which had roused the deepest feeling in Athens. The aged He concluded amidst thunders of applause, the reference to Sophocles, accused by his son Iophon before a court of his the fleet being especially rewarded with a purse from the host and clansmen, of imbecility and incapacity for managing his affairs, a shower of gold pieces from the guests. had recited as a sufficient vindication of his powers, a noble

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 29 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Other recitations followed, not all, it must be confessed, in The spectators watched the scene with breathless interest; so elevated a strain; each was produced with a few bars of music but it was an exhibition that was scarcely suited to Greek taste. A appropriate to its character. Greek could be even horribly cruel on occasions, but a cruel The next entertainment was of a less intellectual kind. spectacle—and spectacles that depend for their attraction on the Now dancers were introduced into the room by the trainer who danger to the performer are critically cruel—offended their artistic had taught them, and whose slaves in fact they were. The man was taste. The company began to feel a little uneasy, and Euctemon a red-faced, bloated looking creature, who, however, had been finally interrupted the festival when after the second leap had been very active in his time, and could still display a wonderful amount successfully accomplished he signed to the flute player to cease of agility when he was engaged in teaching his pupils. The her music. dancers were brother and sister, twins, and curiously alike, though "Child," he said to the dancer, "Aphrodite and the graces the boy was nearly a half-head taller, and generally on a larger would never forgive me, if you were to come to any harm in my scale than the girl. The performance commenced with a duet of house. It is enough; you have shown us that no one could be more the harps and the flute. The harp, a small instrument not larger skillful or more graceful than you." than a violin, was played by the boy, the flute by a female player, The boy and girl now performed together in what was who had come into the room along with the dancers. After a while called the Pyrrhic or war dance. Each carried a light shield and the harp became silent, the flute continuing to give out a very spear, made of silvered tin. They represented two warriors marked measure. To this the girl began to dance, whirling hoops engaged in single combat. Each took in turn the part of the into the air as she moved, and catching them as they fell. Many assailant and the assailed, the one darting forward the spear which were in the air at once, and the girl neither made a single step out had been carefully made incapable of doing any harm, the other of time nor let a single hoop fall to the ground. either receiving the blow upon his shield or avoiding it with agile A more difficult and exciting performance followed. The movements of the body. The flute player accompanied the dance flute player changed the character of her music. The Lydian with a very lovely and spirited tune, while the company looked on measure which had been admirably suited to the graceful steps of with the greatest admiration, so agile, so dexterous, and so the dance gave place to the swift Phrygian scale, wild and invertably graceful were the motions of the two dancers. fantastic music such as might move the devotees of Cybele or When the boy and girl had retired, and while the guests Dionysus to the mysterious duties of their worship. At the same were again devoting themselves to the wine, Callias was accosted time an attendant of the trainer brought in a large hoop, studded by a neighbor with whose handsome featured, characterized as round its inner circle with pointed blades. The girl commenced to they were by a gravity not often seen in young Athenians, he was dance again with steps that grew quicker and quicker with the familiar, though he did not happen ever to have made his music, till, as it reached a climax of sound, she leapt through the acquaintance. hoop. The flute player paused for a moment, as the dancer turned to recover her breath, her bosom rising and falling rapidly, and her "I am about to retire," said the stranger, "and if I may eyes flashing with excitement. Then the music and the dance presume so far, I would recommend you to do the same. Our host began again, with the same crescendo of sound and motion, till the is hospitable and generous, and has other virtues which I need not same culminating point was reached, and the same perilous leap enumerate; but his entertainments are apt to become after a certain repeated. hour in the night such as no modest young man—and such from your face I judge you to be—would willingly be present at. So far Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 30 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

we have had an excellent and blameless entertainment; but why Callias cheerfully consented, and was glad that he had not depart? What say you?" done so, so witty and varied was his companion's conversation. "That I am ready to go with you," answered Callias. "My When they had reached their destination his new friend friend Ctesiphon brought me hither, and I know nothing of our invited him to enter. This he declined to do for the hour was late, host except the report of his riches and liberality." "What! are you and he wished to be at home. going?" cried the host, as the two young men rose from their "Well then," said the other, "we can at least meet again. places. "Nay, but you are losing the best part of the entertainment. This, you see, is my house, and my name is Xenophon, the son of It is but a short time to the first watch when Lysicles will come Gryllus." with his troop of dancers. He says that they are quite incomparable." "Nay, sir," said the young man who had spoken to Callias, "you must excuse us." "Ah!" cried one of the guests, a young dandy, whose flushed face and flower-garland set awry on his forehead seemed to show that he had been indulging too freely in his host's strong Chian wine, "'Tis old Silverside. He pretends to be a young man; but I believe that he is really older than my father. At least I know that the old gentleman is far more lively. Come, Philip and Hermogenes," he went on addressing two of his neighbors, "don't let us permit our pleasant party to be broken up in this way." The three revellers started up from their places, and were ready to stop the departing guests by force. But the host, who was still sober, and was too much of a gentleman to allow annoyances of the kind to be inflicted upon anyone in his house, interfered. "Nay, gentlemen," he cried, "I will put force on no man for if our friends think that they can be better or more pleasantly employed elsewhere, I can only wish them good night, and thank them for so much of their company as they have been pleased to bestow upon us." The two, accordingly, made their escape without any further interference. "Will you walk with me as far as my house," said Callias' companion to him: "It lies in the Agrae. The night is fine and I shall be glad of your company."

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knaves say that he is an atheist. We shall catch him just as he is CHAPTER IX leaving. The subject of conversation between the two young men as SOCRATES they walked along was naturally the character of this philosopher whom they were about to see. Callias had much to ask, and Xenophon had still more to tell. Callias lost no time in cultivating the acquaintance of his new friend. The very next day he called upon him at as early an "As you are going to see this man for the first time," said hour as etiquette permitted, and was lucky enough to find him at the latter, "you will be interested in hearing how I first came to home. He had lately returned, indeed, from drilling with the troop make his acquaintance. It was about nine years ago, very soon, I of Knights to which he belonged, and was just finishing his remember, after the first expedition sailed for Syracuse. I had breakfast, which had been delayed till his military duties had been been hearing a course of lectures by Prodicus of Ceos, who was performed. then all the fashion in Athens, and was hurrying home to be in time for the midday meal. Socrates met us in a narrow alley, and "Will you drink a cup to our new friendship—if you will put his staff across it to bar the way. What a strange figure he was, allow me to call it so?" said Xenophon, to the young man as he I thought. I had never seen him before, you must know; for we entered the room. had been living for some years on my father's estate in Eubœa. "Excuse me," replied Callias, "if I decline." Certainly he looked more like a Silenus than an Apollo. 'Well, my "You are right," said Xenophon, "this is one of the offers son,' he said, looking at me with a smile that made him look quite which formality commands us to make—whether rightly or beautiful, 'can you tell me where a good tunic is to be bought?' I wrongly, I cannot say—but which I always myself refuse, and am thought it was an odd question, though certainly he might want a glad to see refused by others. But what will you? A game of tunic for himself, for his own was exceedingly shabby. However I kottabos, or a walk to the springs of the Ilissus? answered it to the best of my ability. 'And a good sword—where may that be purchased?' That I told him also as well as I could. "Either," replied Callias, "would be agreeable, but first Some half dozen more things he asked me about, and I did my now I have set my heart on something else. You are a disciple of best to reply. At last he said, 'Tell me then, my son, since you Socrates, I am told. Can you manage that I may have the privilege know so well where so many good things are to be procured, tell of hearing him? I have never had the chance of doing so." me where the true gentleman is to be found?' That puzzled me Xenophon's face brightened with pleasure when he heard exceedingly, and I could only lift my eyebrows and shrug my the request. "Excellent, my dear sir, you could not have suggested shoulders. How could I answer such a question? Then he said, anything that would have pleased me better. We shall certainly be 'Follow me my son, and be taught.' I never went near Prodicus good friends. I always judge a man by what he thinks of Socrates. again, you may be sure. My father was somewhat vexed, for he You are ready, I know, to admire and love him, and I offer you had paid a quarter of a talent as fee for the course of lectures. my friendship in advance. Now let us go and find him. It will not However it did not cost him anything, for Socrates will never take be difficult, for I know his ways pretty well. There is a sacrifice in a fee. From that day to this I have never missed an opportunity the Temple of Theseus, and he will probably be there. There is no when I was not campaigning of hearing him. But see, there he is!" more diligent attendant at such functions, and yet the fools and

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Socrates was standing in the open space in front of the or other lawful protectors, have either perished in the war, or have Temple of Poseidon, with the customary group of listeners round been banished. There are fourteen of them in all. Now, as you him. As the two young men came up the discussion which had know, nothing comes in from my country estate, for who will been going on came to an end, and the philosopher turned to greet farm that which at any time the enemy may ravage? And from my the newcomers. "Hail! Xenophon," he cried, "and you, too, sir, for houses in the city there comes but very little, for how few are they the friends of Xenophon are always welcome." "You, sir," he went who are able to pay rent? And no business is being done in the on addressing Callias, "are recently back from the war; now tell city, nor can I borrow any money. Verily there is more chance of me this." And he asked questions which showed that military finding money in the street, than of borrowing. O, Socrates, 'tis a details were perfectly well known to him, better known to him in grievous thing to see my own flesh and blood perish of hunger, fact than they were to Callias himself. These questions were and yet, when things are as they are, I cannot find food for so becoming a little perplexing, for Socrates had an inveterate habit many." of driving into a corner, it may be said, everyone with whom he "'Tis grievous indeed," said Socrates. "But tell me—how conversed. Luckily for Callias, another friend came up at the comes it to pass that Keramon feeds many persons in his name, moment, and the great examiner's attention was diverted. and yet can not only provide what is needful for himself and his "Ho! Aristarchus," he cried to the newcomer, "how fare inmates, but has so much over that he grows rich while you are you?" afraid of perishing of hunger?" "But poorly, Socrates," was the reply. "Things are going "Nay, Socrates, why ask such a question? The many very ill with me." persons whom he so keeps are slaves, while the inmates of my "And indeed," said the philosopher, "I thought that you house are free." had a somewhat gloomy look. But tell me—what is your trouble? "Which then, think you, are the worthier, your free Xenophon here is your kinsman, I know, and you will not mind persons, or Keramon's slaves?" speaking before him, and he will answer for the discretion of his "Doubtless my free persons." friend. Or would you prefer that we should go apart and talk, for to that too, I doubt not, these two gentlemen will consent?" "But, surely, it is a shame, that he having the less worthy should prosper, and you with the more worthy, be in poverty." "Nay," said the man who had been addressed as Aristarchus, "I am not ashamed or unwilling to speak before "Doubtless 'tis because his folk are artisans while mine Xenophon and his friend Callias, in whom I have the pleasure of have been liberally educated." recognizing a kinsman of my own. For that from which I am "By artisans you mean such as know how to make useful suffering, though it troubles me, has nothing shameful in it." things." "Speak on then," said Socrates, "and, perhaps, among us "And bread?" we shall be able to find some remedy for your trouble. For surely it is of some use to share a burden if it be too heavy for one." "Very much so." "Listen then, Socrates," said Aristarchus, "I have been "And men's and women's cloaks, and short frocks, and compelled for kindred's sake to take into my home not a few mantles, and vests?" ladies, sisters, and nieces, and cousins, whose husbands or fathers, "Very much so." Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 33 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"But your folk don't know how to make any of these Just at this point a little boy came up with a message for things. Is it so?" Socrates. "My mistress bids me say," he cried in a somewhat "Nay, but they know how to make them all." undertone, "that the dinner is waiting, and that you must come at once." "There are commands which all must obey," said the "Do you not know then, how Nausicydes not only supports philosopher with a smile,"and this is one of them. And indeed it himself and his household by making barley meal, but has become would be ungrateful to the excellent Xanthippe, if after hearing so rich that he is often called upon to make special contributions she has taken so much pains to prepare one's dinner, one was to to the state and how Corœbus, the baker, lives in fine style on the refuse the very easy return of eating it. Farewell, my friends." profits of bread-making, and Demias on mantle-making, and Menon on cloak-making, and nearly everyone in Megara on the And the philosopher went his way. making of vests? To Callias the conversation which he had just heard was "That is very true, Socrates. But all these buy barbarians peculiarly interesting, because the theory in his family was that for slaves, and make them work; but my people are free by birth which was probably accepted in almost every upper class house in and kinsfolk of my own." Athens, that it was a disgrace for a free-born woman to work for her living, and that all handicrafts, even in those who constantly "And because they are free and kinsfolk of yours must exercised them, were degrading and lowering to the character. they do nothing but eat and sleep? Do you suppose that other free Xenophon already knew what his master thought upon these people are happier when they live in this indolent fashion, or points, but to his younger friend this "gospel of work," as it may when they employ themselves in useful occupations? What about be called, was a positive revelation. He did not value it even your kinsfolk, my friend? At present I take it, you do not love when, a few days later, he heard from Aristarchus that the them, and they do not love you, for you think them a great trouble experiment had succeeded to admiration. "I only had to buy a few and loss to you, and they see that you feel them to be a burden. It pounds of wool," he said; "the women are as happy as queens, and is only too likely that all natural affection will turn under these I have not got to think all day and night, but never find out, how to circumstances to positive dislike. But if you will put them in the make both ends meet." way of making their own livelihood, every thing will go right; you will have a kindly feeling for them because they will be helping you, and they will have as much regard for you, because they will see that you are pleased with them. They know, you say, how to do the things that are a woman's becoming work; don't hesitate therefore to set them in the way of doing it. I am sure that they will be glad enough to follow." "By all the gods, Socrates, you are right. I dare say I could borrow a little money to set the thing going; but to tell you the truth, I did not like to run into debt, when all the motley would simply be eaten. It is a different thing, now that there will be a chance of paying it back, and I have no doubt that there will be some way of managing it."

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succoring the crews of the vessels that had met with this ill- CHAPTER X fortune, committing to officers whom we knew to be competent, the task of giving such help and assigning to them a sufficient number of ships. At the same time we did not omit to make THE MURDER OF THE GENERALS provision for a pursuit of the enemy. But unluckily when the battle was but just finished, a storm arose so severe that we could All this time a gloom had been settling down over the not either rescue our friends or pursue our enemy. These then Athenian people. The official despatch, which, as giving details of escaped, and those, or the greater part of them perished, having the loss in the late engagement, was so anxiously expected, did behaved as brave men toward their country. Lists of those that not arrive; but quite enough information to cause a very general have so died, so far as their names are at present known, are sent anxiety came to hand in various ways. Private letters from men herewith." serving with the fleet began to be brought by merchant ships; and In this official communication, it will be seen, no blame not a few persons were found who had talked or who professed to was laid on any person. The weather, and the weather alone, was have talked with sailors and marines who had taken part in the given as the cause of the disaster that had occurred. But in their action. These written and oral accounts were indeed far from private communications with friends at home the generals were being consistent with each other. Some were obviously not so reticent. They had commissioned, they said, Theramenes impossible; more were presumably exaggerated. But they were all and Thrasybulus to save the shipwrecked men. If all that was agreed in one point. Not only had there been a serious loss of possible had not been done to execute this commission it was they ships and men during the battle, but this loss had been grievously and they only who were to be blamed. Such words, even if they aggravated by the casualties that had taken place after the battle. It are intended only for the private reading of the people to whom was pretty clear, unless the whole of these stories were fictitious, they are written, seldom fail sooner or later to get out. In this case that the second loss had been more fatal than the first. so many people were profoundly and personally interested in the At last the long expected despatch arrived. It ran matter that they got out very soon. And, of course, among the first somewhat in this fashion: persons whom they reached were the two incriminated officers, "The victory which, by the favor of the gods and the good Theramenes and Thrasybulus. It was a charge, hinted at if not fortune of the Athenian people, we lately won over the Spartans exactly made, which no man would allow to be made against him and their allies at the Islands of Arginusae has turned out to be no without at least an attempt to refute it. Theramenes, who had come less important and beneficial to the state than we had hoped it back on leave not many days after the battle, at once bestirred would be. The squadron of the enemy that was blockading the himself in his own defence. He was an able speaker, all the more harbor of Mitylene has disappeared; nor indeed are any of his able because he was utterly unscrupulous; and he had a large ships anywhere to be seen. Our fleet, on the contrary, is stronger following of personal friends and partisans. On the present than it has been for some years past; and we are daily receiving occasion he was reinforced by the many citizens who had lost overtures of friendship from cities that have hitherto been relatives or friends in the late engagement. These were furious and indifferent or hostile. But this success has not been achieved not without some cause. What had been at first represented as a without loss. The late battle was long and obstinately contested, great victory had at length turned out to be as fatal as a great and, as has been mentioned in a former despatch, not a few of our defeat. They loudly demanded a victim. Somebody, they said, ships were either disabled or sunk. We did not neglect the duty of must be punished for so scandalous, so deadly a neglect. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 35 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Theramenes had the advantage of being on the spot, and of being triumphantly acquitted, but he was of too generous a temper thus able to guide these feelings in a way that suited his own personal to save himself. He chose to stand or fall with his fellows. All, interests. "I was commissioned," he said, "to do the work; I do not accordingly, put forward the same defence, and it was in deny it. But the charge was given me when it was almost too late substance this: "We did what seemed best in our judgment. We to execute it, and I hadn't the proper means at hand. I could not get detailed for the duty of saving the crews what we considered to be hold of the ships that were told off for this task, or of the crews an adequate force, and put over it men whom we knew to be who should have manned them. If one of the ten had come himself competent. If Theramenes accuses us, we do not accuse him. We to help me, things might have been different. As it was, the men believe that he was hindered from doing the duty intrusted to him either could not be found, or refused to come. A subordinate must by the storm, and that if he had had double the number of ships, not be blamed for failing in what ought to have been undertaken even the whole fleet, at his disposal, he would have been no less by a chief in command." powerless to give the shipwrecked men any effectual help." These representations, in which, as has been seen, there There was a sincerity of tone about their defence which was a certain measure of truth, had a great effect. An assembly was just the thing to win favor of such an audience as the was held to consider the contents of the second despatch, and at Athenian assembly. There were murmurs indeed. The friends and this it was resolved, with scarcely an opposing voice, that the kinsfolk of the drowned men could not endure to think that no one generals should be recalled. They were publicly thanked for the would be punished for what they believed to be a shameful victory which they had won, but they were suspended, at least for neglect. But the general applause drowned the dissenting voices, the present, in their command, and successors were sent out to and the friends of the accused began to hope that they were safe. replace them. Conon, as having been shut up at the time in If there had been only a few more minutes of daylight, such might Mitylene, and being therefore manifestly clear of all blame in the have been the result. A show of hands was taken by the presiding matter, was continued in office, and another of the ten had died. magistrate, and it was believed to be in favor of the accused, but it Eight, therefore, were left to be affected by the decree. Of these was too dark to count; no regular decision could be made; and the eight two determined not to run the risk of returning; the other six matter had to be adjourned to another meeting of the assembly. sailed at once for home. Of these six Diomedon, about whom But now came another change in the impulsive, passionate something has been said already, was one. temper of the people. The next day or the next day but one was the As soon as was practicable after their arrival at Athens, an first of the great family festival of Athens, the Apaturia, a assembly was held and they were called upon for their defence. celebration something like the Christmas Day or the New Year's The chief speaker against them was Theramenes. His colleague, Day of the modern world. It was one of the most cherished, as it Thrasybulus, stood by apparently approving by his presence the was one of the most ancient of the national festivals. All the great charge that was brought but not opening his mouth. One man Ionic race, with scarcely an exception, kept it, and had kept it among the accused men might have easily secured his own safety from times running back far beyond history. The family annals at the expense of his colleagues. If Diomedon had stood up and were now, so to speak, made up, and consecrated by a solemn recapitulated the advice which he had given in the council held association with the past. If a marriage had been celebrated in the after the battle; if he had affirmed what none of his fellows would family during the year it was now formally registered; if a son of have been able to deny, "I urged you to make the rescue of the the house had reached his majority his name was now entered imperiled crews your first business, to use for it all the means at upon the roll. These formalities were duly marked by customary your disposal, and to undertake it yourselves," he must have been sacrificing and sacrifices were accompanied, as always in the Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 36 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

ancient world, by festivities. But family festivities are apt, as most notorious to take an active part—proposed a resolution which ran of us know only too well, to be marred by melancholy as follows: associations. It is delightful to greet those that remain, but what of "For as much as both the parties in this case, to wit, the those who are gone? And so it had been year after year, since the prosecutor on the one hand, and the accused on the other were day when Athens embarked on the fatal war which for nearly heard in the late assembly, it seems good to us that the Athenian thirty years drained her resources. So it was, in a special way, in people now vote on the matter by their tribes, there being the year of which I am writing. The men whom Athens had lost provided for each tribe two urns, and that the public crier make were not hired servants but sons. Everyone, the slaves only proclamation as follows in the hearing of each tribe: 'Let everyone excepted, left an empty place in some family gathering. And now who finds the generals guilty of not rescuing the heroes of the late for the first time the city realized the greatness of her loss. The sea fight deposit his vote in Urn No. 1. Let him who is of the numbers had been known before; but numbers, however startling, contrary opinion deposit his vote in Urn No. 2.' Furthermore it do not impress the mind like visible facts, and now the visible seems good to us, that, if the aforesaid generals be found guilty, facts were before the eyes of all. The streets were filled with men death should be the penalty; that they should be handed over to and women in mourning garb, for the families which had suffered the Eleven, and their property confiscated to the state, excepting a individually assumed it. It seemed as if almost every passerby had tenth part, which falls to the goddess [Athena]." lost a kinsman. There could scarcely have been any such proportion of mourners, but any uniform garb renders the The Senate passed this resolution, though there was a impression of being much more numerously worn than is really strong minority that protested against it. The assembly was held the case. next day, and Callixenus came forward again and proposed his resolution as having received the Senate's sanction. And there can be but little doubt that the demonstration was purposely exaggerated. For now came in the sinister influence It was received with a roar of approval from the majority. of political strife, which since the oligarchical revolution of five But there were some honest men who were not inclined to years before had grown more than ever bitter and intense. The sanction a proceeding so grossly illegal, for such indeed it was. accused leaders belonged to the party of moderate aristocrats; a One of them, Euryptolemus by name, rose in his place, and spoke: party loyal to the democratic constitution of Athens, but disposed "There is an enactment which for many years has been to interpret its provisions in a conservative sense. The oligarchy observed by the people of Athens for the due protection of persons hated them, and Theramenes had been an oligarchical conspirator accused of crime. By this enactment it is provided that every before, and was about to be again. And the extremists on the other person so accused shall be tried separately, and shall have proper side hated them. Between the two a plot was concocted. Men who time allowed him for the preparation of his defence. Seeing then had no kinsfolk among the lost soldiers and sailors were bribed or that the resolution just proposed to the assembly contravenes this otherwise persuaded to behave as if they had, to come into the enactment by providing that the accused persons should be tried streets with black clothes and shaven heads, and to swell the all together and without such allowance of due time, I hereby give numbers of the mourners, thus increasing the popular excitement. notice that I shall indict Callixenus its proposer for Strangely enough it was the Senate, the upper chamber of unconstitutional action." the Athenian constitution, that first gave this excitement an A tremendous uproar followed the utterance of these expression. At the first meeting after the festival, Callixenus, a words. "Who shall hinder us from avenging the dead?" cried one creature of Theramenes—the man himself was probably too Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 37 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

man. "Shall this pedant with his indictment stand between the favor, while they screamed at the top of their voices, "Death to the Athenian people and their desire to do justice?" shouted another. generals! death to the murderers!" But the excitement rose to its height when a man clad as a mariner A momentary silence fell upon the excited crowd when a forced his way through the crowded meeting, and struggled by the well-known orator of the intense democratic party threw himself help of his companions into the Bema, the platform, or hustings, into the hustings. of the place of assembly. "I propose that the names of Euryptolemus and of all those It was a strange figure to stand in that place from which who have given notice of the indicting of Callixenus be added to some of the famous orators and statesmen of the world had the names of the accused generals, and be voted upon in the same addressed their countrymen. He was evidently of the lowest rank. way for life and death." His dress was ragged and soiled. His voice, when he spoke, was rough and uncultured. Yet not Pericles himself, who so often The speaker added no arguments; and the roars of approval speaking from that place "Had swayed at will that fierce that went up from the assembly showed sufficiently that no democracy," ever spoke with more effect. arguments were needed. The advocates of constitutional practice were cowed. It was only too plain that to persist would surely be "Men of Athens," he cried, "I was on the Cheiron. I was to meet themselves the fate of the accused. Euryptolemus was a run down by a Corinthian ship just before the battle came to an brave man, and as we shall soon see, did not intend to desert his end. The Cheiron sank immediately; I went down with her, but friends; but for the present he gave way. "I withdraw my notice," managed to get free, and came up again to the surface of the he cried, reflecting doubtless that he could renew it when the water. I saw a meal-tub floating by me, and caught hold of it. people should become more ready to listen to reason and justice. Some ten or twelve men were near me. They kept themselves up But there was still another constitutional bulwark to be thrown for a time by swimming, but sank one by one. I spoke to several down. The presiding magistrates refused to put the motion to the of them, and bade them keep up their spirits, because the admirals assembly. Their chief (or chairman as we should call him) rose in would be sure to rescue us. No help came. At last only one was his place. He was pale and agitated, and his voice could not be left. He was my brother-in-law. I made him lay hold of the other heard beyond the benches nearest to him when he said, "The side of the meal-tub; but it was not big enough to keep us both up. motion of Callixenus is against the laws, and we cannot put it to He let go of it again. He said to me 'Agathon'—that is my name— the assembly." 'you have a wife and children; I am alone. Bid them remember me; and tell the men of Athens that we have done our best in "They refuse! they refuse!" was the cry that went from fighting for our country, and that the admirals have left us to mouth to mouth. Again the rage of the multitude rose to boiling perish." point, and again the popular orator saw his opportunity. Was the man telling the truth, or was he one of those "I propose," he said, appearing again in the hustings, "that historic liars that have made themselves famous or infamous for the names of the presiding magistrates be added to those of the all time by the magnitude of the fictions that they have invented accused in the voting for life and death!' just at the critical time when men were most ready to accept them. A shout of approval more vehement than ever greeted this Whether it was true or false, the story roused the people to announcement. Once more the policy of concession, or shall we absolute fury. Thousands stood up in their places and shook their say of cowardice prevailed. The magistrates conversed a few fists at the accused, and at the orators who had spoken in their moments in hurried whispers, and then advanced to the railings in Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 38 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

front of their seats. It was immediately seen that they had yielded, "Men of Athens, I have three things to do now that I and loud applause followed. "Hail to the popular magistrates! Hail address you. First, I have to blame in some degree my dear friend to the friends of the people!" was the universal cry. But one was and kinsman Pericles, and my friend Diomedon; second, I have to still sitting in his place. His colleagues turned back to bring him. plead somewhat on their behalf; third, I have to give you such They talked, they gesticulated, they laid hold of him by the arms; advice as will in my judgment best advantage Athens. I blame they were trying to force him out of his seat. He heeded them not; them because they, through their generous temper, have taken to all persuasion he returned the same answer: "I am set to upon themselves the fault which, if it exists, lies upon others. For administer the laws, and will do nothing that is contrary to them." indeed what happened after the battle was this: Diomedon advised The most of the house could, of course, hear nothing of what was that the whole fleet should proceed to the relief of the disabled being said; but they could see plainly what had happened. ships and their crews. Erasinides counselled that the whole fleet "Socrates refuses! Socrates refuses!" was now the cry, followed should be sent in pursuit of the enemy. Thrasyllus declared that by shouts of "Death to Socrates!" "Death to the blasphemer! both duties might be discharged together, part being sent against Death to the atheist!" the enemy, and part to help the shipwrecked men. And this last The philosopher sat unmoved, and his colleagues made no course was actually taken. Forty-seven ships were told off for this further attempt to persuade him. They took what was, perhaps, the duty; three, that is, from each of the eight divisions, ten belonging only possible course under the circumstances—for they had not all to private captains, ten that were from Samoa, and three that the martyr-like temper of Socrates—and put the question without belonged to the commander-in-chief: And three ships were him. It was carried by a large majority. committed to the charge of Thrasybulus and Theramenes, the very men who now bring these charges against the accused. Yet these The presiding magistrate, having announced the result of men I do not even now, on behalf of the generals, myself accuse. I the vote, went on: "Seeing that it has seemed good to the Athenian allow that the violence of the storm prevented them from people to try the generals accused of negligence in saving the lives executing this order. of citizens, the said generals are hereby put upon their trial. If they, or any citizen on their behalf, wish to address the assembly, "So far then, men of Athens, do I blame the accused, and I let them or him speak." do plead for them. And now let me venture to give you some advice. Give these men time, if it be but one day only, to make It might have been thought that the furious crowd which their defence. You know that there is yet a form of law by which it had been ready to overpower with violence the advocates of is enacted: 'If any person hath aggrieved the people of Athens, he constitutional practice would have howled down any who dared to shall be imprisoned and brought to a trial before the people; and in advocate so unpopular a cause. But it was not so. The majority, case he be convicted, he shall be put to death and thrown into the having swept away, as they thought, the trammels of technicality, pit, his goods and chattels to be confiscated to the state, reserving in their eagerness for justice, had no wish to disregard justice by a tenth part for the goddess.' By this law try the accused. Give to refusing a hearing to persons on their defence. Whatever the faults each a separate day and try them in due order. So will you judge of the Athenian democracy, it was at least ready to hear both them according to the law, and not seem, as verily you will seem sides. When therefore Euryptolemus rose to address the assembly if you adopt the resolution of Callixenus, to be allies of the on behalf of the generals, an instantaneous silence followed; nor Lacedaemonians, by putting to death the very men who have was he interrupted during the delivery of his speech except, it may taken twenty of their ships. "Why indeed are you in such be, by occasional murmurs of approval. He spoke as follows: vehement haste? Are you afraid to lose your hold of life and Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 39 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

death? That right no one doubts or threatens. Should you not The sensation produced by the announcement was intense. rather be afraid lest you put an innocent man to death? One man Not a few who had voted 'guilty' already half repented of what do I say, nay many innocent men? And lest, afterwards repenting they had done. Indeed the reaction which ended in the banishment of your deed, you shall reflect how ill and unjustly you have and ultimately the death by starvation of the author of the proposal acted? Forbid it, ye gods, that the Athenians should do any such may be said to have begun at that moment. The general thing. Take care, therefore, I implore you, that you, being excitement rose to a still higher pitch when the officers of the successful, do not act as they often act, who are on the brink of Eleven, the magistrates to whose custody condemned criminals despair and ruin. Only those who are without hope insult the gods; were handed, were seen making their way, lighted by slaves yet somehow you will insult them, if instead of submitting to them holding torches, to the place where the accused were sitting. There on points that are subject to their will alone, you condemn those was not one of the six whose features were not familiar to many in men who failed because it was the pleasure of the gods that they the assembly. More than one had rendered distinguished service to should fail. You would do more justly if you honor these men Athens; and one, Pericles, son of the great statesman by Aspasia, with crowns of victory rather than visit them with this punishment bore a name which no Athenian could pronounce without some of death." emotion of pride and gratitude. It so happened that it was he on A visible effect was produced by this speech. That the whom the officers laid hands. Something like a groan went up republic should put to death its successful generals almost in the from the crowd; but it was too late to undo what they had done moment of victory seemed to many to be the very height of folly, and it was too early for the repentance that had already begun to even of impiety. The gods had favored these men. To lay hands work to have any practical effect. The six were led off to immediate execution. upon them would be an insult to heaven. But supposing they had erred, would it be well for the state to deprive itself of the services Callias, anxious to say a few words of farewell to his of its most skillful servants? This seemed the common sense view. friend and kinsman Diomedon, had hurried round, as soon as he The question was: would it prevail against the sticklers for law, heard the announcement of the numbers, to the door by which he those who were hardened by the sense of personal loss, and the knew the condemned would be taken from the place of assembly. unscrupulous partisans who were ready to seize any pretext for The president of the Eleven who was conducting the matter in destroying political opponents? The voters filed past the balloting person, as became an occasion so important, allowed a brief urns, and dropped their votes as they passed. No one could guess interview. what the result would be, for no one could watch more than one of The young man was so overcome with grief that he could the ten pairs of urns—a pair to each tribe—which were placed to only throw himself into the arms of his friend and cling to him in receive the suffrages. The process took no little time, and then speechless agony. Diomedon, on the contrary, was perfectly calm when it was finished, there was the counting, also a long and and collected. "My son," he said, this has ended as badly as I tedious process. It was almost dark when the tables were finished. thought that it would you will remember what I said to you after In the midst of a profound silence the presiding magistrate the battle. For myself, this that I am about to suffer is scarcely a stood up. It was now dark, and his figure was thrown into striking thing to be lamented. It is hard indeed to have such a return for my relief by the lamps with the help of which the votes had been services to Athens; and I would gladly have served her again. It counted. He read the numbers from a small slip of paper. "There has not so seemed good to the Athenians. Let it be so. I am have voted," he said, "for condemnation 3254, for acquittal 3102." delivered from trouble to come. I would not have fled from them willingly, but if my countrymen compel me, why should I Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 40 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

complain? That at least Socrates has taught me not to do. And this day has at least brought this good, that no one can doubt hereafter CHAPTER XI that he believes what he says. For you, my son, I have but one word. Do not despair of your country. A grateful child pays his dues of nurture even to an impassive mother. And now farewell!" RESCUED An hour afterwards he and his colleagues were lying The execution of the generals was a blow of such severity mangled corpses at the bottom of the pit. that Callias was absolutely prostrated by it. As a patriotic Athenian he felt overwhelmed both with shame and with despair. That his country should be capable of such ingratitude and folly, should allow private revenge or party spite to deprive her of the generals who could lead her troops to victory made it impossible to hope. The end must be near, for the gods must have smitten her with the madness which they send upon those whom they are determined to destroy. And then he had loved Diomedon almost as a son loves a father. Left an orphan at an early age he had found in this kinsman an affectionate and loyal guardian; and he had made his first acquaintance with war under his auspices. He had in him a friend whom he felt it would be quite impossible to replace. For some days Callias remained in strict seclusion at home, refusing all visitors, and, in fact, seeing no one, except the aged house-steward, who had been now the faithful servant and friend of three generations of his family. Even when Hippocles himself, on the fifth day after the disastrous meeting of the assembly, sent in an urgent request that he might be allowed to see him, the steward was directed to meet him with the same refusal. The old man contrary to his custom of prompt and unhesitating obedience, lingered in the room after he had received this answer, and was obviously anxious to speak. "Well! Lycides," said the young man, his attention attracted even in the midst of his preoccupation by this unusual circumstance, "What is it? What do you want?" "It would be well, sir," replied the man, "if you would see the worthy Hippocles. He declares that the affair of which he is come is one of the very highest importance."

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Callias simply shook his head. Bowing his head on his friend's shoulder, he burst into a passion The steward began again, "Oh! sir—" of tears,—for tears were a relief which the most heroic souls of the ancient world did not refuse to themselves. His friend allowed Callias interrupted him. "You are an old man, and a friend his feelings to express themselves without restraint, and then as whom my father and my grandfather trusted, and I would not say the violence of the young man's emotion began to subside, he put a harsh word to you. But if you will not leave the room, I must." in a few words, instinct with heartfelt sympathy, about the friend The old man's eyes filled with tears. He had never heard whom they had lost. Thus, with his usual tact, he waited for his young master speak in such, a tone before. Still he would not Callias himself to open the subject in which he now felt sure his go, without making another effort. interest had been aroused. It was soon after that the young man asked: "What is this that old Lycides has been saying about my He rapidly advanced to where his master was sitting, his liberty and life being in danger? He has known it, he says, since face buried in his hands, and throwing himself on the ground, yesterday, and you know it too. What can he mean?" caught the young man by the knees. "He is quite right," replied Hippocles. "He knows "Listen, sir," he cried, "I implore you, by the gods, and by something and I know something. Now listen. Your parting with the memory of your father and your grandfather, who both died in Diomedon was observed. The men who murdered him—and by my arms." all the gods! there never was a fouler murder done in Athens— "Speak on," cried Callias. "It seems I am not my own cannot but look for vengeance to come upon them. To avoid it or master any longer." to postpone it they will stick at nothing. No near friend or relative of their victims is safe. I know—for I have friends in places you "Oh! sir," the old man continued, "your liberty, your life is would not think—mark you, I know that your name is among in danger." those who will be accused in the next assembly." These words, uttered as they were in a tone of conviction "Accused," cried Callias, "accused of what? Of being that could not be mistaken, startled the young man out of the bound by kindred and affection to one of the noblest of men. By indifference which his profound depression had hardened. heavens! let them accuse me. I should glory to stand and defend "What do you mean?" he cried. myself on such a charge. If I could only tell that villain Theramenes what I think of him I should be afraid of nothing." "I have known it since yesterday at noon," the steward replied, "and have been anxiously thinking over with myself how "That is exactly what I thought you would say," replied I could best make it known to you. And now Hippocles has come Hippocles, "nor can I blame you. But have patience. Theramenes to say the same thing. For the sake of all the gods, trust and listen will get his deserts if there are gods in heaven and furies in hell. to what he has to tell you." But have patience. Leave his punishment to them. But meanwhile don't give him the chance of burdening his soul with another "Bring him in, if you will have it so," said Callias. crime." Hippocles came into the room with outstretched hands and "What would you have me do then?" asked Callias. "Fly caught the young man in a close embrace. The warmth and from Athens," replied his older friend. tenderness of this greeting had the happiest result. Callias was moved from the stupor of grief which had overwhelmed him.

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 42 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"What! fly, and leave these traitors and murderers to enjoy some other and abler man than I am to do it for me, to indict their triumph! Not so; not if I were to die to-morrow." Callixenus for unconstitutional practices. Did I pass by this "My dear young friend, you will help your country, which, occasion of vengeance, the blood of Diomedon and his brave in spite of all her faults, you wish, I presume, to serve, and avenge colleagues might well cry out of the ground against me. your friends all the more surely if you will yield to the necessities Several days passed without any disturbing incident. of the time." Callias had warnings indeed. Mysterious letters were brought to "Don't press me any further: it would be a dishonor to me him, bidding him beware of dangers that were imminent; more to leave Athens now." than one stranger who found him in the streets let fall, it seemed by the merest accident, words that could not but be meant to give The argument was continued for some time longer; but a warning; friends spoke openly to the same effect; but the young Hippocles could not flatter himself with the idea that he had made man remained unmoved. At the table of Hippocles, where he was any impression. At last he seemed to abandon the attempt. a frequent guest, the subject was dropped. It seemed to be "Well," he said, "a willful man must have his way. I can conceded by common consent that Callias was to have his own only hope that you will never live to repent it. But you will not way. refuse to come and see us—my daughter adds her invitation to He was returning to his home in the upper city from the mine—you will not be so ungallant as to refuse." Piraeus on a dark and stormy night, picking his way under the "No, I should not think of refusing," said Callias. "You shelter of one of the Long Walls when he felt himself suddenly have called me back to life. I thought that my heart would have seized from behind. So suddenly and so skillfully made was the burnt with grief and rage. You can't imagine what your sympathy attack that in an instant the young man, though sufficiently active is to me." and vigorous, was reduced to absolute helplessness. His arms were fastened to his side; his legs pinioned; his eyes blindfolded, "Well," said Hippocles, "show your gratitude by dining and a gag thrust into his mouth. All this was done without any with us to-night." unnecessary violence, but with a firmness that made resistance Callias promised that he would, and accordingly at the impossible. The young man then felt himself lifted on to some time appointed presented himself at the merchant's house. conveyance which had been waiting, it seemed, in the neighborhood, and driven rapidly in a northerly direction. So After dinner the discussion was resumed. Hippocles and much the prisoner could guess from feeling the wind which he Hermione urged all the arguments that they knew to persuade the knew had been coming from the east, blowing upon his right young man to think of his own safety, but they urged in vain. cheek. After being driven rapidly for a few minutes the gag was "No!" said the young man, as he rose to take his leave, removed with an apology for the necessity that had compelled its "no, I thank you for your care for me, but your advice I may not use. The journey was continued with unabated and even increased follow. I refuse to believe that the Athenian people can keep the rapidity, the lash, as Callias' ear told him, being freely used to base and ungrateful temper which they showed the other day. It urge the animals to their full speed. Before long the sound of the was the madness of an hour, and they must have repented of it waves breaking upon the shore could be distinctly heard above the long ago. If they have not, then an honest man who happens to be clatter of the horses' hoofs and the grinding of the chariot wheels born into this citizenship had best die. Athens is no place for him. upon the road. Then came a stoppage. The prisoner was lifted Anyhow, I shall try, at the very next assembly, unless I can get from his seat and put on board what he guessed to be a small boat. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 43 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

He felt that this was pushed out from the land, that it began by Callias thought that he recognized. The swimmers shouted in making fair progress, and that not long after starting, when it had answer, and felt new hope and new life infused into them. But the passed, as he conjectured, beyond the shelter of some bay or rescue was no easy task. Each man in turn had to fasten under his promontory, it began to meet bad weather. The waves were armpits a rope with a noose at the end which was thrown to him, breaking, it was easy to tell, over the boat, in which the water was and was then drawn up the side of the galley. This took time. rising in spite of the efforts of the men who were busy bailing to Some of the men found it hard to do their part of the work, and so keep it under. It as time for our hero to speak; so busy were the delayed the rescue of the others. By the time that Callias was sailors in struggling with their difficulties, that they might easily reached, and he was the last of the nine, he was almost beyond the have forgotten their prisoner, and let him go to the bottom like a reach of help. By one supreme effort, however, he managed to slip stone. the rope about him. As he was dragged on to the deck the last Friends," he cried, "you had best let me help you and conscious impression that he had—and so strange was it that he myself." thought it must be a dream—was the face of Hermione bent over him with an expression of intense anxiety. "By Poseidon! I had forgotten him," he heard one of the men cry. "If he drowns there will be no profit to us in floating." A consultation carried on in low, rapid whispers followed. It ended in the prisoner's bonds being severed, and the bandage being removed from his eyes. When the situation became visible to the young Athenian it was certainly far from encouraging. The boat was low in the water, and was getting lower. It was evident that it could not live more than a few minutes more. The night was dark, and the sea so high that even the most expert swimmer could not expect to survive very long. The only hope seemed to lie in the chance of being blown ashore. But obviously the first thing to be done: was to prepare for a swim. Callias, accordingly, threw off his upper garment and untied his sandals. This done he waited for the end. It was not long in coming. The boat was too low in the water to rise to the waves, and one of unusual size now broke over and swamped it, immersing the crew, who numbered nine persons including Callias. Happily they were good swimmers, and if speedy help were to come, might hope to escape. And, luckily, help was nearer than any of them had hoped. A light became visible in the darkness; and the swimmers shouted in concert to let the newcomers know of their whereabouts. An answering shout came from the galley, for as may be supposed, it was a galley that carried the light. "Be of good cheer," shouted a voice which Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 44 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Certainly," said the young man. "I shall never forget how CHAPTER XII much I owe you." "Well, then, trust me for an hour. I will not ask you to do THE VOYAGE OF THE SKYLARK anything more. If you are not fully satisfied then, I will make you any redress that you may demand. I know that you have a right to ask for it. I know," he added with an air of proud humility that sat It was not long before Callias recovered his consciousness; very well upon him, "that Hippocles the Alien is asking a great but he was so worn out by excitement and fatigue, coming as they favor when he makes such a request of Callias the Eupatrid, but did after the exhausting emotions through which he had passed believe me I do not ask it without a reason." since the death of the generals, that he found it impossible to rouse himself to any exertion. The yacht, which as my readers will have The young Athenian could do nothing else than consent to guessed was that excellent sea-boat the Skylark, had never been in a request so reasonable. Some irritation he felt, for there was no any danger, though she had had to be very skillfully handled while doubt in his mind that Hippocles had had something to do with the she was engaged in picking up the swimmers. This task violence to which he had been subjected. The intention, however, accomplished, her head was put northward, and before very long had been manifestly friendly, and there might be something to tell she had gained the shelter of Eubœa. Callias guessed as much which would change annoyance into gratitude. when he found that she ceased to roll, and gladly resigned himself A sailor now brought him some refreshment, and when to the slumber against which he had hitherto done his best to this had been disposed of, another furnished him with some struggle. He slept late into the morning; indeed it wanted only an clothing. His own, it will be remembered, he had thrown away, hour of noon when at last he opened his eyes. The first object that when preparing to swim for his life. His toilet completed, he came they fell upon was the figure of Hippocles, who was sitting by the up on deck and found Hippocles and his daughter seated near the side of his berth. stern. Both rose to greet him. He could not fail to observe that "Then it was not a dream," said the young man. "I thought Hermione was pale and agitated. The frank friendliness of her old I saw your daughter on board last night, but could not believe my manner, which, blended as it had been with a perfect maidenly eyes." modesty, had been inexpressibly charming, had disappeared. She was now timid and hesitating. She could not lift her eyes when she "Yes, she is on board," said Hippocles, with a slight smile acknowledged his greeting. He could even see that she trembled. playing about the corners of his mouth. The young man stood astonished and perplexed. What was "But tell me what it all means. I was seized in the streets of this strange reserve of which he had never before seen a trace? Athens, pinioned, blindfolded, and gagged. I was carried off I Was there anything in himself that had caused it?' Had he—so he know not where, thrown into a boat, as nearly as possible asked himself, being a modest young fellow and ready to lay the drowned, and now, when I come to myself, I see you. Surely I blame on his own shoulders—had he given any offence ? have a right to ask what it means." "Tell him the story, father," she said, after an anxious, "My dear Callias," replied Hippocles, "I have always tried pause during which her agitation manifestly increased, "tell him to be your friend, as it was my privilege to be your father's before the story. I feel that I cannot speak." you. You will allow so much?"

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"My little girl has a confession to make. In a word, it is her answered. Then she told me her plan. I need not describe it to you. doing that you are here to-day." It was carried out exactly. Now can you forgive her?" "Her doing that I am here to-day," echoed Callias, his "Oh! lady "—the young man began. astonishment giving a certain harshness to his voice. "Stop a moment," cried Hippocles. "I have something The girl burst into tears. Callias stepped forward, and more to say, before you pronounce your judgment. You must take would have caught her hand. She drew back. into account that if she has erred, she has already suffered." "Tell him, father, tell him all," she whispered again in an "Oh! father," interrupted the girl, it is enough; say nothing agitated voice. more. I am ready to bear the blame." "Well then," said her father, "if I must confess your And she sank back into her seat and covered her face with misdeeds, I will speak. You know," he went on addressing himself her mantle. to the young Athenian, "you know how we vainly sought to Hippocles went on: "I say she has suffered. We did not persuade you to leave Athens. I had a better and stronger reason reckon on that unlucky wind. It was bad enough to have carried for speaking as I did than I could tell you. From private you off against your will; but when it seemed that we might information, the source of which I could not divulge, if you had drown you as well, that looked serious. I was not much afraid, asked it, as you probably would have done, I had found out that myself. I felt pretty sure that we should be able to pick you up. you were in the most serious danger. Not only, were you to be But still there was a chance of something going wrong. And she, arrested—so much you know—but having been arrested, you of course, felt responsible for it all. It was true that it was the only were to be put out of the way. You talked of answering for way of saving you—that, I swear by Zeus and Athene, and all the yourself before the assembly, even of accusing your enemies and gods above and below, is the simple, literal fact—but still, I must the men who murdered your friends. You never would have had own, it was a trying moment, and if anything had happened— the chance. There are diseases strangely sudden and fatal to which Then you were the last to be picked up, and just at the last prisoners are liable, and there was only too much reason to fear moment, something went wrong. The clumsy fellow at the helm— that you would be attacked by one of them. There are other I ought to have been there myself, but I wanted to help in getting poisons, you know, besides the hemlock, which the state you on board—the clumsy fellow at the helm, I say, gave us a administers to the condemned, and an adverse verdict is not wrong turn. We should have had a world of trouble in bringing the always wanted before they are given. Well; we were at our wits' Skylark about again. Hermione saw it, sprang to the tiller, and put end. You were obstinate—pardon me for using the word—and I things right—I have always taught her how to steer. So you really would not tell you the whole truth. Even if I had, it was doubtful, owe her something for that. I don't exactly say that she saved your in the temper of mind you were in, whether you would have life, but you might have been in the water a little longer than you believed me. Then Hermione here came to the rescue. 'We must liked. Well, it was trying to the poor girl. I can imagine how she save him,' she cried, 'against his will.' 'How can we do that?' I felt; but she bore up till we got you on board. Then she fainted; for asked; and I assure you that I had not the least idea of what she the very first time in her life, I give you my word, for she is not meant. 'You must contrive to carry him off to some safe place.' I given to that sort of thing. Now, say, can you forgive her and us? was astonished. 'What!' I said, 'a free citizen of Athens.' 'What will We really did it for the best, and thanks to Poseidon, it has ended that help him, with the men who are plotting to take his life?' she pretty well, so far, after all."

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"This is no case for forgiveness," cried the young Athenian mainland of Greece. When the shelter ceased the wind had fallen, earnestly; "it is a case of gratitude which I shall never exhaust as shifting at the same time to the south-west. Nearly two hundred long as I live. I am a headstrong young fool, a silly child, in fact, miles had yet to be traversed before Thasus could be sighted, and and you were quite right in dealing with me as grown people must this was accomplished without accident or delay. The time of year deal with a child, help it and do it good against its will. Forgive was later than a Greek seaman commonly chose for a voyage of me, lady," he went on, and kneeling before her chair, he took one any duration, for it was the latter end of October, and the ninth of of her hands in his own, and carried it to his lips. November was the extreme limit of the sailing season. Hippocles, So far all was well. A bold achievement had ended however, was more venturesome in this way than most of his happily, but the situation was a little strained, to use a common contemporaries, and his confidence was rewarded by a most phrase, and Callias, like the well bred gentleman that he was, felt pleasant and prosperous voyage. So blue were the cloudless skies, that it would be a relief to the girl if it was brought to an end. so deep the answering color of the seas, that it was only when the Happily, too, at that moment the ludicrous side of the affair struck travellers saw the sunset tints on the forest-clad ridge of Thasus— him, and it was without any affectation that he sprang to his feet "the ass's backbone laden with wood," as it was called—that they and burst into a hearty laugh. "And now that you have captured remembered that summer had long since given place to autumn. me," he said, "what is your pleasure? What are you going to do Two days were spent in a visit to the vineyard which with me?" Hippocles had come to inspect, and then Callias, who had soon "You shall go where you please," said Hippocles. "Even if concluded to follow his friend's advice, resumed his voyage. The you want to return to Athens I will not hinder you. But my plan is course of the Skylark was now south-easterly. The voyage had all this, subject of course, to your consent. Come with me as far as the interest of novelty for him, for he had never before visited Thasus. I have business there, to look after my vineyard, or rather these waters. When the Skylark started at early dawn there was a the vintage. My people, I find, are sadly apt to blunder about it. mist which contracted the horizon. As this cleared away under the This will take me no little time, and while I am engaged there, the increasing power of the sun the striking peak of Samothrace Skylark shall take you on to Alcibiades' castle in Thrace. I was became visible in the distance. All day its bold outlines became going to say that I would commend you to him. But that will not more and more clearly defined. On the following morning—for be necessary. He is, you know, a distant kinsman, and is the good ship pursued her course all night—it had been left hospitality itself. In my judgment he has had hard usage. It would behind, but another height, not less striking in appearance, and have been better for Athens, if she had trusted him more. But all even more interesting in its associations, the snow-capped Ida, at whose feet lay the world-famed Trojan plains, took its place. As that is past. Meanwhile I think that his castle is the safest place for you just now. You and he are very much in the same case, I fancy. evening fell the Skylark was brought to land at the western end of Athens has not treated either of you fairly and yet you wish well the Hellespont, the rapid current of which could be better to her." encountered by the rowers when they had been refreshed by a night's rest. Progress was now somewhat slow; and it was on the "Your plan seems a good one," replied Callias, "let me afternoon of the fourth day after the start from Thasus that the think it over for a few hours. Anyhow you shall have my company cliffs of Bisanthe and the northern shore of the Propontis came in as far as Thasus, if you will accept it." sight. This was our hero's destination, for it was here that Meanwhile the Skylark was making headway gaily through Alcibiades, after quitting Athens in the previous year, had fixed the well-sheltered waters that lie between Eubœa and the his abode. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 47 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

like a winding staircase. It was somewhat stifling and dark, CHAPTER XIII though light and air were occasionally admitted by holes bored to the outer surface of the rock. Its upper end opened into a courtyard round which the castle was built. The approach from the sea was, ALCIBIADES it will have been seen, sufficiently secure. On that side indeed the castle of Bisanthe was absolutely impregnable. From the land, it The sun was just setting when the Skylark cast anchor was, to say the least, safely defensible. It was approached by one about two hundred yards from the shore and opposite the castle narrow ridge so formed that a few resolute men could hold it with which the loftiest point of the cliffs was crowned. The signal against a numerous body of assailants. The walls were lofty and flag which the captain ran up to his mast-head was answered by massive, and so constructed that a galling fire of missiles could be another from the castle, and in a few minutes a boat was seen to kept up on either flank of an attacking force. start from a little quay which had been built out into the sea at the Callias was escorted to his chamber by a young Thracian foot of the cliff. Callias had written a letter to Alcibiades in which slave, who informed him in broken speech that a bath room in he briefly described himself and his errand, and Hippocles, though which he would find hot and cold water was at his service, and modestly depreciating the value of anything that he could say, had further that his master hoped to have the pleasure of his company also written, at the young man's request, a letter of introduction. at supper in an hour's time. The chamber, it may be said, was These documents were handed over to the officer in charge of the furnished with a clepsydra, or water-clock, marked with divisions. boat, and conveyed by him to the castle. After a very short delay the boat returned again, this time in the charge of an officer of Callias awaited his introduction to his host with no little obviously higher rank. This higher personage mounted the side of curiosity. Alcibiades was, as has been said, a kinsman of his own, the Skylark, and after giving a courteous greeting to Callias, and he had heard of him—what Athenian, indeed, had not?—but delivered to him an invitation from Alcibiades to make his castle he had never happened to see him. Callias' father had been an his home for as long a period as he might find it convenient to aristocrat of the old-fashioned type, and had so strongly stay there, explaining at the same time that his master would have disapproved of his cousin's reckless and extravagant behavior that come in person to welcome his guest, if he had not been detained he had broken off all intercourse with him, and had been by business of importance with a neighboring chief. The young particularly careful that his son should never come in contact with Athenian's baggage—for he had been liberally fitted out by the him. Callias was about fourteen when Alcibiades left Athens in thoughtful and generous care of Hippocles—was transferred to the command (along with two colleagues) of the Sicilian expedition. boat, and in a few minutes more he had set his foot on the landing- The absence thus begun lasted about eight years. For the first half place. of this time he was an exile; for the second half in command of the fleets and armies of Athens, but still postponing his return to He had been speculating as he neared the shore, about the his native city. Then came his brief visit, lasting, it would seem, way in which the castle was to be approached. An observer only a few days, and at that time Callias, as it happened, had been looking from the sea might have thought that there was no way of absent in foreign service. He was now in what was, or should have getting to it except by scaling the almost perpendicular base of the been, the prime of life, having just completed his forty-fourth cliff. Once landed on the quay, however, the traveller discovered year, but the dissipation of his youth and early manhood and the that a passage had been cut through the cliff. This passage, which anxieties of his later years had left their mark upon him, and he could be closed at its lower end by a massive door, was something looked older than his age. Yet there were traces of the brilliant Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 48 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

beauty that in earlier days had helped to make him the spoiled largely mixed with Thracian words, in which the chief was darling of Athens. The wrinkles had begun to gather about his accustomed to express himself. The meal ended, a handsome eyes, but they were still singularly lustrous, and could either flash silver cup was handed by the major-domo, a venerable looking with anger or melt with tenderness. His temples were hollow and man, who made the comfort of his master and his most honored his cheeks had somewhat fallen in; but his complexion was almost guests his special care. Alcibiades took it and poured out a few as brilliant as ever, while the abundant auburn curls that fell drops upon the table, uttering as he did so, the words: "To Athene clustering about his neck had scarcely a streak of gray in them. the Champion." This was equivalent to the loyal toasts of an His greeting to his guest was more than courteous. It was English banquet. He then took a very moderate draught, the wine affectionate, exactly such as was fitting from an older to a being unmixed, in obedience to the rule which demanded that all younger relative. Indeed then, as ever afterwards during their wine used in religious ceremonies—and this libation was such a acquaintance, Callias was greatly struck by the perfection of his ceremony—should be pure. He then tipped the cup to each guest manners. It seemed impossible that the stories told of his haughty in turn. All were equally moderate, for it was not the custom, even insolence by which in former years he had made himself one of for a Greek drunkard, it may be said, to drink his wine unmixed. the best-hated men in Athens could possibly be true. But when the cup came to the Thracian chief he drank a deep draught as if the liquor had been liberally diluted. Callias who had Supper was announced shortly after Callias had been never been at table with a Thracian before, watched the man with ushered into the chamber. Alcibiades took his guest by the hand, amazement. He saw that while the other guests were supplied with led him into the dining-room, and assigned him a place next to the usual mixtures of wine and water the chief remained steadfast himself. Some other guests were present. Two of these were in his devotion to the undiluted liquid, and that he emptied his cup officers in the military force which Alcibiades maintained in his at a draught, and that the cup itself was of an unusual capacity. stronghold; the third was an aged man, who had been his tutor Nor did the drinker seem affected by these extraordinary many years, and for whom he retained an affection that was potations, except that his voice became louder and his manner honorable to both master and pupil. The fourth was the Thracian more boastful. At last, however, and that without a moment's chief with whom Alcibiades had been engaged when the Skylark notice, he rolled over senseless on his back. So sudden was the arrived. change that it suggested the idea of a fit. The meal was simple. The chief feature was one of the "Is he ill?" he whispered in some alarm. huge turbot for which the Euxine was famous. "Ill? not a whit. It is the way in which he always finishes "That would have cost a fortune in the fish market at his evenings. His slaves will carry him to bed, and he will awake Athens," said the host pointing to the dish, "even if it could have to-morrow morning without the suspicion of a headache. Bacchus, been procured at all. Here a fisherman thinks himself well paid for I verily believe, has a special favor for these fellows, and, truly, such a monster by three, or at the, most, four drachmas " A piece they do worship him with a most admirable earnestness." of venison and a platter of quails were the other dishes. The second course consisted of a pudding and some sweet-meats. The Thracian's collapse was the signal for breaking up the party. Callias and the old tutor, Timanthes by name, declined to During the repast the conversation turned speedily on local drink any more, and the two officers, who were on duty for the matters, and was carried on (but not till after a courteous apology night, departed to make their round. Strong as was the place had been offered to the young Athenian) in the bastard Greek

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Alcibiades omitted no precautions for its safe custody. Timanthes, Alcibiades heard the story with uncontrollable delight. He who was old and feeble, retired to rest. started up from his seat, and walked up and down the room with "Come with me to my own room," said Alcibiades to his flashing eyes. "Tell me everything about it," he said, and he guest, "we shall be here alone." insisted upon the repetition of every detail. "That is magnificent," he cried, when his curiosity had been satisfied. "That is exactly The chamber to which he led the way was little like what what one would have expected from Socrates. I suppose that it is one would expect to find in a free-booter's stronghold, for really the very first time that he ever acted as presiding magistrate—he the castle of Bisanthe was more of that than anything else. Art and had never been so, I know, when I left Athens, nor have I heard of letters were amply represented in it. On one wall hung a panel his having been since—and that first time he did what nobody else painting by Polygnotus, a masterly composition, of that serenity, dared to do. You say that the others gave way?" that ethical meaning, as the great critic Aristotle expresses it, which was characteristic of the artist. This represented the gods in "Yes," replied Callias, "they stood up against it at first, but council at Olympus. It was faced on the opposite wall by an gave in afterwards. Socrates was absolutely alone, and at last they exceedingly graceful painting from the hand of Zeuxis, Aphrodite put the question without him." and the Graces, and a spirited picture by the same artist, of the "It is just like him," cried Alcibiades with enthusiasm. "He duel between Ajax and Hector. There were other works by men of is simply the bravest and most enduring man alive. I could tell you less note. Sculpture was represented by only a single specimen, a stories about him that would astonish you. We served together in bust of Socrates. the campaign at Potidaea. Indeed we were in the same mess. When we had short commons, as we had many a time, there was "Paintings are easily carried about," Alcibiades afterwards explained to his guest, "but sculpture is inconveniently heavy. no one like him in holding out. He seemed to be able to go You will understand that a man in my situation has always to be without food altogether, but when we had plenty, he could enjoy it ready for a move; and I always like to have two or three really as well as any body. We had a foolish way, as young men will, of good things that I can always take with me. One bust, indeed, I making people drink whether they wished it or not. But nothing have indulged myself with, that of my old teacher. Ah! if I had ever affected Socrates. No one ever saw him one whit the worse heard him to more purpose, I should not be here! You know him, for what he had taken. And as for the way in which he bore cold, of course?" it was absolutely incredible, only that one saw it with one's own eyes. The winters here are terrible, as you will find out, if, as I Callias said that he did. hope you will, you stop with me, but he used to make nothing of "An excellent likeness! is it not? Who would think that them. During the very hardest frost we had, when everyone who such features concealed a soul so divinely beautiful? Did you have could stayed in doors, and those who were obliged to go out any talk with him when you were in Athens?" wrapped themselves till you would hardly know them, he wore nothing but his common cloak, and went absolutely barefoot. "Yes," replied Callias, "and I admired above all things his practical wisdom. But what was that to what I afterwards saw of "Once, I remember, something came into his mind. That him?" was in the early morning. Well, he stood trying to think it out till noon, and from noon he went on till evening. Some Greeks from And he went on to relate how the philosopher stood firm, Asia wanted to see how long this would go on; so, after dinner, though in imminent peril of his life, and had steadfastly refused to they brought out their mattresses, and took up their quarters for put the unconstitutional proposal of Callixenus to the assembly. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 50 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

the night in the open air—it was summer-time, you must understand. Some of them slept, and some watched him, taking it CHAPTER XIV by turns. Their report was that he stood there till morning, and the sun rose, and that then he made a prayer to the sun, and so went to his quarters. BISANTHE His courage, too, is astonishing. In one of the battles at Life at Bisanthe would, in any case, have been remarkably Potidaea he saved my life. I had been wounded and must infallibly attractive to Callias. The taste for sport was hereditary with him, have been killed, if it had not been for him. He took me up and as it was with most Athenians of his class. But, ever since his carried me off to our line. The generals gave me the prize for boyhood, circumstances had been altogether adverse to any valor, when they ought, by right, to have given it to him. But they indulgence of it. For a quarter of a century an Athenian's life had took account of my family and rank, and curiously enough, he was been perforce a city life. The country outside the walls was not just as anxious as they were that I should have it and not he. Then available for when it was not actually in the occupation of a at Delium, again, when the day went against us, and the army was hostile army, it was still in a state of desolation. Game, it is in full retreat, I was in the cavalry; he was serving as a foot probable, had almost disappeared from it. It had long been too soldier. Our men would not keep together, and he and Laches—he thickly populated for the larger animals to exist in it. These the was killed, afterwards, at Mantinea—were making the best of sportsman had been obliged to seek in the mountain regions of their way back. I rode up to them and told them to keep up their Phocis, Doris, and Thessaly. Now the smaller such as the hare, courage and I would not leave them. A cavalry soldier has, you always reckoned a special dainty in Athens, could scarcely be know, a great advantage in a retreat. There was no need to tell found, even when it was possible to seek for it. Callias was Socrates to keep up his courage. Laches, I could see, though a delighted to find a totally different condition of things at Bisanthe. brave enough man, was terribly frightened; but Socrates was as Here there were to be found fierce and powerful animals the cool as a man could be. He held up his head finely, and marched pursuit of which gave something of the delightful excitement of steadily on. It was plain enough to see that anyone who meddled danger, the bear, the wild-boar, and the wolf. Lions, too, could be with him would find out his mistake. The end of it was that he got sometimes seen, though they were not so common as they had back safe, and brought Laches back safe also. The fact is that at been some eighty years before when the army of Xerxes, such times it is the men who are in a hurry to get away that are cut marching through this very region, had had so many of the camels down. I do not think that there ever was a braver man than attacked and killed by them. Our young Athenian highly Socrates. And what you have just been telling me bears it out. A appreciated this abundance of noble game. He had had no man may be brave enough in battle and be timidly frightened experience, indeed, in the huntsman's craft, but he became fairly when the assembly is howling and raging against him. This has expert at it. He was an excellent rider; this accomplishment was a been a dismal business of the generals and I have never been so necessary part of the education of a well-born Athenian. He was near despairing of my country, as I have since I heard it. How is it expert in all martial exercises, especially in the use of the javelin possible to help a city that makes such a requital to those who and the spear; and, above all, he had a cool courage which his save her? But still, while there are men like Socrates in her, all is warlike experience by land and sea had admirably developed. not lost. But no more now; you must be weary, and ready to sleep. There will be plenty of time hereafter to talk. And now farewell." But there were more serious matters than sport to occupy him. The relation of his host to his neighbors, both Greek and

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barbarian, was of curious interest to a thoughtful young man. He All that Alcibiades could do in weakening the independent had heard something of it at Athens, for Alcibiades was a much Thracians was altogether to his mind. Let them be weakened talked of personage, all of whose movements were earnestly, even enough, and they would gladly seek protection by becoming his anxiously, discussed both by friends and foes. Now he was, so to subjects. On the other hand he did not approve the idea of anyone speak, behind the scenes, and saw and heard much that the outside but himself becoming the patron of the Greek cities on, his coast. world did not know or did not understand. The neighbors with What they were willing to pay for protection ought to come, he whom his host came in contact, friendly or unfriendly, were three. felt, into his coffers, not into those of an interloping adventurer. There were the Greek cities along the northern coast of the Meanwhile he was content to remain on outwardly good terms Propontis; there was Seuthes, the king of Thrace; a potentate with the master of Bisanthe, and to await the development of whose kingdom had many uncertain and varying boundaries, and events. there were the free or independent Thracians. Between these last In the little town of the same name that was dominated by and Alcibiades there was constant war. Accustomed for centuries the castle of Bisanthe, the young Athenian found some pleasant to plunder their neighbors, they now found themselves repaid in society. He was the more at home in it because it was an Ionian their own coin. At the head of a picked force, highly disciplined colony, and the inhabitants were akin to him in race and and admirably armed, Alcibiades harried their country with an sympathies. They had the same culture, a quality that always audacity and a skill which made his name a constant terror to flourished more kindly in the Ionic branch of the Hellenic race. them. The Greek cities, on the other hand, were uniformly Plays of the great dramatists of his own country were performed friendly. Before his coming they had been sadly harassed and in a small but well appointed theatre, and there was at least one distressed by their barbarian neighbors. They had not been able to circle in the town in which literary topics were discussed with call anything beyond their walls exactly their own, and even their interest and intelligence. walls had sometimes scarcely sufficed to protect them. All this was altered by the military genius of this remarkable man. The The resources available in the way of native society were robber bands which had been accustomed to ride unchecked up to not great. Thracian habits in general were not unfairly represented their fortifications were now compelled to keep at a respectful by the behavior of the chief to whom my readers were introduced distance from them, and not only the cities themselves but their in the last chapter. Their hard drinking habits had already made territories were practically safe. Land which it had been them notorious throughout Greece. Our hero accordingly kept impossible to cultivate at all, or from which only a precarious crop away from the entertainments which his host felt it a matter of could be snatched with imminent danger to the cultivator, was policy to attend. The one great social function at which he assisted now covered with prosperous farms and pleasant homesteads. For was the marriage of a prince who was nearly related to King this protection, enabling them as it did to save the exhausting Seuthes. Athenian habits were commonly frugal. Their public expense of imported food, the cities were willing to pay, and buildings, whether for political or religious purposes, were considerable sums which were practically a tribute, only much splendid in the extreme. On these, and on the ceremonies of more cheerfully paid, came regularly into the treasury at Bisanthe, worship, they were accustomed to spare no expense. But their and enabled its master to keep up a numerous and efficient force. private expenditure was, as a rule, not large. Our hero was proportionately astonished at the profusion, which prevailed at the As for King Seuthes, his relations with the powerful wedding festivities of the Thracian Caranus. There were twenty stranger who had settled on these his territories were more guests. Each as he entered the banqueting chamber had a circle of doubtful. He was not an enemy, but he certainly was not a friend. gold put upon his head, and in taking his place was presented with Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 52 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

a silver cup. These and indeed all the dishes, plates, and cups with certainly adverse to me from the beginning. My father fell at which the guests were furnished during the entertainment, were Coronea when I was but a mere child, and the loss of a father is supposed to become their actual property. A brass platter, covered especially damaging when his son is rich and noble. Everyone with pastry, on which were birds of various kinds, was put before seems to agree in spoiling the boy, the lad, the young man, who is each, and after this another of silver, furnished with a variety of the master of his own fortune. I know that I was fooled to the top fresh meats. These disposed of—they were just tasted and handed of my bent. However, that is all past, and the free man who lets to the slaves who stood behind the guests—two flasks of perfume, others turn him about to their own purposes has nothing to say in one of silver, the other of gold, fastened together with a link of his own defence; and I had at least one good thing on my side of gold, were distributed. Each flask held about half a pint. Then which if I had been so minded I might have made good use. came a piece of quite barbarous extravagance—a silver gilt Socrates never wearied of convicting me out of my own mouth of charger, large enough to hold a porker of considerable size. The folly and ignorance, and he knew my great weakness and told me creature lay on its back with its belly stuffed with thrushes, the of it in the most unsparing fashion. I remember once how he yolks of eggs, oysters, scollops, and other dainties. The carrying convicted me of what I know has been the great fault of my life. capacity of the slaves was nearly exhausted, and the bridegroom 'If,' he said, 'you can convince the Athenians that you deserve to received a hearty round of applause when he ordered his guests to be honored as no man, not even Pericles himself deserved, if you be supplied with baskets, themselves richly ornamented with gain an equal name among the other Greeks and barbarians, if you silver in which they might carry away his bounty. cross over from Europe and meddle with matters in Asia, all these At this point Alcibiades and his friend made an excuse to things will not satisfy you. You desire to be nothing less than master of the whole human race.' That perhaps was somewhat depart. "Caranus," said the former, as they returned to Bisanthe, "must have embarrassed himself for life by this silly extravagance. exaggerated, but I certainly have had big schemes in my head, He must have borrowed money largely before he could indulge in bigger than I ever had, or could hope to have, the means of all this silverware, for though his estates are large, he is far from carrying out. My hopes took in all Greece, Persia, Carthage, the being wealthy. But it is a point of honor with these people to go as Western barbarians who inhabit the shores of the ocean, and I near to ruining themselves as the money-lender will permit them, know not what else. It was too great a structure to build on the when they celebrate a birth, a wedding, or a funeral." slight foundation of an Athenian dock-yard; it was piling Olympus and Ossa and Pelion on the hill of Hymettus, and such structures But Callias found the chief interest of the months which he are sure to fall even without the thunder-bolt of Zeus. Yet it is spent at Bisanthe in the frequent conversations which he held with only fair to myself to say that in my ambitions I did think of my his host. In these Alcibiades expressed himself with the utmost country as well as of myself; and I think that I have not always freedom and frankness. What he said was in fact at once a had fair play in carrying them out. There was the expedition to confession and an apology, the substance of them may be given as Sicily, for instance. I suppose that no one will ever speak of it but follows: as a piece of hair-brained folly into which I was the means of "You have heard I dare say very much evil of me, and I leading Athens. Looked at by the event, it seems so, I allow, and cannot deny that much of it is perfectly true. It ill becomes a man yet it might have succeeded. Indeed it was within an iota of to complain of circumstances, for everyone, I take it, can make his succeeding, and this though the people showed the incredible folly own life and if he goes to ruin has only himself to blame for it. of putting as senior in command, a man who hated the whole Yet the gods, or fate, or whatever it is that rules the world, were business. Even Nicias almost took Syracuse. If they had only left me without a colleague or with colleagues who would have Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 53 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

yielded to my counsels! But what did they do? Just at the critical "I was always afraid," he said, "that the victory at time they recalled the man whom everyone in the expedition, from Arginusae would be only a reprieve, a postponing of the evil day. the first to the last, identified with its success; and why did they The effort which Athens then made was too exhausting to be recall me? On that trumpery charge of having broken the Hermie. repeated—her next fleet will be nothing like as good as the last, You would like to ask me, I know, whether I had anything to do and the last had hard enough work to win the day. And then there with the matter. No; I had not, but I could have told them all about was the disastrous folly and crime of putting the generals to death. it if I had had the chance. As it was, they were ready to listen to Mind, I don't say that they were not to blame; but I do say that to anyone but me. Why, there was an outrageous liar came forward, kill the only good officers the city had, even if they had deserved and declared he had seen the whole thing done by the light of the death ten times more than they did, was mere madness. Whom moon; and on the night it was done there was no moon at all. But I have they got to put in their place? Conon is a man who knows his had enemies, personal enemies who would stick at nothing as long business and would do his duty, but as for the rest," he went on, as they could injure me. And here I must confess a fault, a fault anticipating a witticism which was made many hundred years that has been fatal to me. I deserved to have enemies. I made them afterwards by an English statesman, "I can only say that I hope by my annoyance and insolence; and if they ruined me, and, as I they will inspire the enemy with half the terror with which they think, my country with me, I have only myself to blame. You inspire me." would like to know how I justify myself for what I did after my banishment, for getting Sparta to help Syracuse against my own country? I do not justify myself at all. It was madness, tho' it was only too successful. But it made me frantic to think what a chance, what a splendid opportunity for myself and for Athens, the fools who were in power at home were throwing away. No; on that point I have nothing to say for myself. But since then I have honestly tried to do the best that I could for the city. And if the Athenians could only have trusted me and had had a little more patience, I believe that I could have saved them. But it is always the same story with them; they must have what they want at once, and if they don't get it, some one has to suffer. How could they expect that I could put right at once all that had been going wrong for years?" Such was the substance of what Alcibiades said to his guest on the many occasions on which they discussed these matters, said, of course, with a variety of detail and a wealth of illustration, which it is impossible to reproduce. More than once Callias asked his host what were his views and expectations of the future of the war. He found that Alcibiades did not take a cheerful view of the prospects of the campaign that would be soon beginning. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 54 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

well as in other of the mainland towns, thorough-going partisans CHAPTER XV of Lysander were installed in power. Cyrus had been called away to Upper Asia, where the old king, his father, was lying sick to death, and had left all his treasuries at the disposal of the Spartan AEGOS POTAMI admiral. With this supply of money the pay of the sailors had been increased, and new ships bad been laid down on the stocks. In Alcibiades had established a system of communication March the Athenian fleet sailed for the seat of war. It was larger with all the principal stations in the Aegean which gave him early than any that had been sent forth by the city in recent years, for it information of what was going on. numbered no less than one hundred and eighty ships; but private Early in the new year (405) intelligence reached him at his letters gave an unfavorable account of the way in which it was castle, that Lysander was coming out from Sparta to assume the equipped, and officered. This adverse opinion continued to be command of the allied fleet. This news affected Alcibiades very borne out by the news that arrived from time to time of its doings. considerably. It seemed to be moving about aimlessly and fruitlessly, always behind, always in the wrong place. It offered battle to Lysander, "I anticipated this," he said to his guest after the evening who lay in harbor near Ephesus, but in vain. The wary Spartan meal on the day when the news had reached him, "and it is the had no mind to fight but at his own time, and the Athenian worst thing that could have happened for Athens. There was just a admirals had no way of compelling him. Then the ships were chance that the Spartans, who, happily for us, are very stupid and scattered in plundering expeditions along the mainland coasts and obstinate, would stick to their rule that no man should be among the islands which had accepted the Spartan alliance. The appointed naval commander-in-chief thrice. But they had, as I gain was small, for the booty was insignificant, but the heard from a friend in Chios, a very strong requisition from the demoralization and relaxation of discipline were great. About allies to appoint Lysander, and so they have sent him out again, mid-summer followed a bold maneuver on the part of Lysander. saving their rule by appointing a nominal chief, a man called He sailed across the Aegean to the coast of Attica, where his Arachus, who, of course, is a mere figure head. Now Lysander is sudden appearance caused no little consternation. The Athenian by far the ablest man that the Spartans have got; he is quite commanders were as usual behindhand. If they had heard of this unscrupulous; he is a bitter enemy of ours; and what is worst of movement as soon as they ought, and had been ready to follow all, he can do anything that he pleases with Cyrus. You have not immediately, it is quite possible that they might have inflicted a been campaigning for two or three years without finding out that damaging blow on their adversaries. As it was, the news was long the Persian money bags are the real weights that make the scales in reaching them and, when it came, found them with their fleet of fate go up and down. Last year Callicratidas was crippled scattered and unprepared. Accordingly they missed their chance of because Cyrus, at this very Lysander's request, kept his purse forcing Lysander to an engagement off an hostile shore, an strings tight. Now everything will be straight and easy, and before engagement, too, which he would hardly have been able to two months are over the Spartans will have as good a fleet as decline. Lysander crossed and recrossed the Aegean without money can make." The year wore slowly on. The long Thracian molestation, and shortly afterwards sailed northward. winter, which Callias, though not unused to cold weather in Athens found exceedingly severe, yielded at last to spring, and Alcibiades, whose intelligence department was, as has spring in its turn to summer. All the while the news which reached been said, admirably organized, received information that this Bisanthe continued to have a gloomy complexion. At Miletus, as movement was intended, and in consequence took up his quarters Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 55 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

at a little fort which he possessed at the extremity of the anchorage was indifferent, there were no houses in the Chersonesus. He and his guest had not been there more than a day neighborhood, and the nearest point from which supplies could be when the Spartan fleet came in sight. He watched it pass at a obtained was the town of Sestos, nearly two miles distant. distance of two or three miles, with eager interest. The opportunity for offering advice which Alcibiades had "They have a very formidable appearance," he said to foreseen had now occurred, and he promptly took advantage of it. Callias when he had scanned with his practical eye every detail of The morning after the arrival of the fleet, he rode, with Callias in their equipment. "I shall be agreeably surprised if our ships have his company, to the spot where the Athenian generals had pitched anything as good to show." On the following day the Athenian their headquarters, and requested an interview. He was introduced fleet appeared, showing only too plainly how just had been into the tent which they used for purposes of consultation, and Alcibiades' forebodings. The effects of wind and weather—the saw the two officers, Menander and Tydeus by name, who ships had now been nearly six months at sea—were plainly happened to be detailed that day for duty on shore. visible; the sails, which, as there was a slight breeze from the They received him with a coldness and hauteur which west, they used to assist their progress, were dirty and ragged; the augured ill for the success of his mission. rowers were deplorably out of time. "Allow me, gentlemen," he said, "to offer you a piece of "Things," he said to his companion, "are even worse than I advice which, from my knowledge of the country, I feel sure will expected; that fleet will be no match for its enemy, except under be useful. Transfer your fleet from this position, which, you must far more skillful management than it is likely to have. Still let us allow me to say, has nothing to recommend it, to Sestos. You hope for the best; and it may be possible to give our friends some must go to Sestos for your supplies; why not stay there altogether. good advice, if they will take it." This, unfortunately, was the last The harbor is good and you will be able to do what you please, thing that the Athenian admirals, certainly incompetent, and fight, or not fight, as it may seem best. Here, if it comes on a blow probably traitorous, were willing to do. The progress of events, from the south—and you will remember that the equinox is briefly described, was this: near—you will be in a very awkward predicament; and, anyhow, I Lysander possessed himself, by a sudden attack, of the do not see how you are to keep your men together when they have town of Lampsacus, which was in alliance with Athens. This to forage in this manner for supplies." conquest put him in possession of abundant supplies, and of what "We are obliged to you for the trouble you have taken in was more valuable, a safe and convenient base of operations. coming," said Menander, "but you must allow us to remind you While securing these material advantages, he also, with a that it is we, and not you whom the Athenian people have generosity which he could always assume on occasion, allowed appointed to the command of this fleet." the Lampsacenes to go unharmed. He gained thus not only a strong position but a friendly population. On the other hand the "The gods prosper you in it," replied Alcibiades with position occupied by the Athenians was by no means so favorable. unruffled coolness. "And now, farewell." They moved their fleet to the mouth of a little stream known by "I have done all that I could," observed Alcibiades to his the name of Aegos Potami, or the Goat's River. This spot was companion, who had been expecting his return outside the tent. directly opposite Lampsacus—the Hellespont here is somewhat "Now we can only await the event. As for these men, I would say less than two miles broad—but it had no conveniences for the of them that the gods strike with madness those whom they are purpose for which it was chosen. There was no harbor, the determined to destroy, but for one thing. There may be a method Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 56 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

in their madness. They may mean to bring about a disaster. In a "Is it never coming?" said the elder man, as he rose from word they may have sold their country. It is a hard thing to say of his seat, and looked from the window across the sea, just any man, but could any admiral, not being a madman or a traitor, beginning to glitter with the morning light. In a moment his keep his fleet in such a place as this? And yet I do not know. I attitude of weariness changed to one of eager attention. have seen honest men act with a folly so outrageous that one "Look!" he cried to Callias. "What is that?" and he pointed could not help suspecting something more. Let us go home, and to a boat that had just rounded the nearest point to the westward. It prepare for the worst. But stay—there is yet a chance. There is was a fishing boat, manned, apparently, by seven or eight men, Conon. He must know better than this. Will you see him? I and making all the speed it could with both oars and sails. The cannot, for there is too deadly a feud between us. Do you know two men hurried down to the castle pier, and awaited the arrival of him?" what they were sure was the long expected message. "Yes," said Callias, "I was with him last year when he was The boat was still about two hundred yards away when shut up in Mitylene, and he sent me with despatches to Athens." Alcibiades recognized the steersman. "And will you go to him?" "Ah!" he cried, "it is old Hipparchus." And he waved his "Certainly, if it would not seem too presumptuous." hand with a friendly gesture. "You can give your authority; he will understand why I did "It is bad news he brings," he said again after a quiet not come myself; and he is too sensible not to listen to good pause, "he makes no reply." advice from whomsoever it may come." A few more strokes brought the boat alongside of the pier. Conon was on board his ship in which he was practicing Alcibiades reached his hand to the steersman, and helped him to some maneuvers about half a mile from the shore. The young disembark. That his errand was bad was only too evident from his Athenian was rowed out to see him, and returned in about an hour. look. He was deadly pale, and in his eyes' was the expression of The report which he brought back was this: one who had lately seen some terrible sight. "Conon was very reserved, but courteous. He wished me "It is all over," he said, "Athens is lost." to thank you for your message, and to say he was sure you wished For a few minutes the three men stood silent. Perhaps it well to Athens. He would do what he could, but he was only one was then that Alcibiades felt the keenest remorse of his life. After out of many, and he might be out-voted. Anyhow, he would keep all, it was he who, more than any living man, had brought this ruin his own men from straggling." to his country. He had led her into an enterprise which "Then," said Alcibiades, "we have shot our last bolt, let us overmatched her strength; and he had suggested to her enemies go back." For some days the two companions waited for news in a the too successful policy that had ended in her overthrow. If suspense that they often felt to be almost beyond bearing. One Athens was indeed lost it was his doing—and yet he loved her. night—it was the night of the fifteenth of September— they had Much of this the younger man could guess at, for he had not been watched through the hours of darkness till the began to show itself at Bisanthe for now nearly a year without learning something of in the eastern sky. Both had felt the presentiment that their waiting his host's inner thoughts. He turned away his face unwilling to was about to end, though neither had acknowledged it to the other. witness the emotion which he felt could be seen in the other's countenance. The messenger from the scene of the disaster stood

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with downcast eyes, absorbed in the dismal recollection of what "I cannot say, but certainly several thousand. Before we he had lately witnessed. came away, a boat from Lampsacus brought an awful story, of "Tell us how it happened," said Alcibiades. what had been done there. All the Athenian prisoners were put to death, between three and four thousand. Only the admiral "For five days," so he began, "we manned our ships every Adeimantus was spared." morning about the third hour, formed them in line of battle, and moved across the strait to the harbor of Lampsacus. The Spartan "Ah! I see," cried Alcibiades, "he was the traitor." fleet was ranged in line outside the harbor with their army drawn up upon the shore on either side. Our admirals did not venture to attack; and so we sailed back. I noticed that a few quick-sailing galleys followed us at about half a mile distance. When we got back to our station, our men used to scatter in search of provisions for their noonday meal—our commissariat, you must know, was very ill-supplied. Some went up the country, but most made their way to Sestos. None of our admirals, except Conon, seemed to have a notion that this was dangerous, though some of us old sailors could have warned them if we had dared. Conon always kept his men together. Well, on the fifth day—our men, you must understand, had been growing more and more careless—about an hour after we got back, a shield was run up to the masthead of one of the Spartan swift-sailing galleys. I saw it flash in the sunshine; and a few moments afterwards the whole Spartan fleet rowed from their anchorage and made their way across the strait. They caught us entirely unprepared. There was no battle; scarcely a blow was struck. I can easily believe that they did not lose a single man. Some of our ships they found absolutely deserted. None of them had more than two-thirds of their complement. No, I should not say none; twelve were ready, emotes eight and four others, one of which was the Paralus. I was on board Menander's own ship, of which I was steersman. There were eight others with me. We hurried as fast as we could to Sestos. There, the next day, I was able to hire this boat, and thought the best thing that I could do was to come here." "You say that twelve ships escaped," said Alcibiades, "how many then were taken? "About a hundred and seventy," answered the man. "And how many prisoners?" Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 58 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

only advise, for from this day I of necessity cease to command. CHAPTER XVI Go, then, I would say, to King Seuthes, and offer yourselves to him. He will receive you kindly. Brave men—and your valor has been shown times without number—are always valued and TO PHARNABAZUS honored by him, and now that, for a time at least, the Spartans and their allies have become supreme in these parts, he will want men There was little sleep that night for the inhabitants of the more than ever. If you require it, you shall have my good word; castle of Bisanthe. Everyone felt that the situation was full of but your reputation will speak for you more effectually than I can. peril. If it had not been for the confidence which everyone brought My gratitude to you, who have served me so well, I can never into contact with Alcibiades felt in his capacities of leadership express. Yet such return as I can make shall not be left undone. there would have been something like a panic. As it was, the The paymaster will pay you all arrears of pay, with a donation of garrison awaited with calmness, though not without intense thrice as much again." anxiety, the course of action which their commander would take A loud burst of applause followed this announcement. for himself, and recommend to them. They were not kept long in suspense. The speaker continued: "This gift would be many times greater, if my means were equal to my sense of your courage and Shortly after dawn the notes of a trumpet were heard your services. From some of you I have a favor to ask. It is not through the castle giving the well-known signal by which a expedient publicly to declare my plans; but I may say that I shall general assembly of the garrison was called. A few minutes need a few associates in them. For these I shall not ask you, not sufficed to collect the men. The meeting was held in the central because I am doubtful of raising them, but because I know that court of the castle, and Alcibiades, taking his stand on the topmost you would all offer yourselves—" step of an outside staircase which led up to one of the chambers, addressed them. A roar of assent went up from the whole assembly. "Comrades," he said, "you have heard of the disaster by "I have already exercised the choice which in any case I which Athens has loft its last fleet. I will blame no man for what should have been compelled afterwards to make. Twelve happened or inquire whether it might not have been averted—" companions—more I am forbidden by circumstances to take— will go with me. To the rest I say, 'Farewell.' The gods grant that The speaker was interrupted by loud cries of "Long live at some happier time we may again render our service to Athens Alcibiades, the invincible!" and to Greece. Till then, Farewell!" A flush of pleasure passed over the speaker's face, but he A loud answering cry of farewell went up from the men, made a gesture imperative of silence, and continued. which was renewed again and again as the speaker entered the "The only thing that remains for us is to consider what is room at the head of the staircase. Here the twelve chosen most expedient to do. Here, my friends, we cannot stay. Bisanthe associates were assembled, Callias and Hipparchus, the messenger indeed, protected by its situation, its walls, and stout hands and from the scene of the late conflict, making up the number to tried valor, it would not be easy to take. But, with both sea and fourteen. Alcibiades addressed them: land hostile, with all the country and cities from which we have "I have long since anticipated and prepared myself for this drawn our supplies in the hands of the Spartans, we cannot long misfortune which has now overtaken us, though the blow has continue to hold it. What then shall we do? You, my friends, I can Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 59 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

fallen more suddenly and more heavily than I had feared. To you, "You may as well take it," returned his host, "there is a my chosen friends, I reveal the counsels which it would not have good deal more here than I can take with me; and why should you been expedient to publish to a multitude. Briefly they are these: not? For myself, I carry most of my possessions about with me in Lysander has conquered by the help of the Persians, for had it not this fashion,"—and he showed a leather purse filled with pearls been for the gold of Cyrus, his fleet could never have been kept and precious stones. "Gold is too cumbrous to carry in any together. We also must go to the Persians for help. It is an evil quantity. This no man will take as long as I am alive. Besides this, necessity, I confess, that makes free-born Greeks court the favor my worthy friend Hippocles, who, as you know, is as trustworthy of their slaves; but a necessity it is. And the time favors us for as the treasury of Delphi, has most of my property in his hands. using it. Cyrus covets the throne of Persia which he claims against And, if we once get safely to Pharnabazus, we need not trouble his elder brother Artaxerxes as having been born after his father's any more about this matter. I must do the Persians the justice to accession whereas Artaxerxes was born before it. As Lysander, say that they are always open-handed. And they can afford to be. then, has used Cyrus against us, so we must use Artaxerxes It is not too much to say that for one talent of gold that we have in against Cyrus. 'How,' you will ask, 'is Artaxerxes to be Greece they have at least a hundred. Anyone who should have the approached?' Through Pharnabazus, the Satrap, with whom I have ransacking of one of their great treasure cities—and they have a warm friendship of now some years' standing. To Pharnabazus, others besides Susa; Babylon, for instance, and Persepolis and therefore, I now purpose to go. I shall demand of him that which Pasargadae—would nee something that would astonish them. he will himself be most willing to grant—for he is no friend to And," he added, with a profound sigh—"if only things had gone Cyrus—that he send me up to Susa. This Themistocles did before straight, I might have been the man." me; but he, at least in word, went as the enemy of his country, The journey along the northern shore of the Propontis was though indeed he was unwilling to harm it. I shall go, both in accomplished in safety. No Spartan ship had as yet made its way word and in deed, as its friend. And now for other things. For my so far eastward. At a little town on the Asiatic shore Alcibiades most valuable possessions I have prepared hiding-places. Much I provided his party with horses for riding and serviceable mules for shall leave to King Seuthes, to whom I sent a message concerning the conveyance of their baggage and of such a selection of his my immediate departure. This morning, my friends, I would ask own possessions as he had thought it well to take with him. The you to receive at my hands a year's pay. Do not hesitate to receive old sailor Hipparchus here wanted to leave them, and to make his it; I can give it now, I may not be able so to do a year hence. We way to Byzantium, where he had relatives. The remainder will start this day at sunset. There is no time to be lost. To- Alcibiades addressed before setting out, to the following effect: morrow, I doubt not, or the next day at the latest, Lysander will be here." "We have to make our way to Gordium in Phrygia, for it is there that, if he keeps to his usual habits, we shall find the Satrap With Callias, after the rest had departed to make Pharnabazus. He is accustomed to winter there. But we shall not preparations for their departure, Alcibiades had some private find it easy to get there. These Bithynians are not effeminate conversation as to the subject of ways and means. Asiatics, a hundred of whom will fly before five stout Greeks. "You must let me be your banker," he began by saying. They are Thracians from the other side of the sea, and we all Callias thanked him heartily, but declined to receive know how hard are their heads, and how strong their arms. We anything more than would suffice for immediate needs. cannot force our way through them; we must elude them if we can."

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The route which the party followed lay for some time drinking, unmixed; By the time the mutton bones had been picked within sight of the sea. This was commonly followed by bare, and the cask drained to its dregs, not a man out of the twelve travellers, as the mountaineers seldom ventured within the border was sober. A heavy slumber, lasting late into the morning, was the of the maritime plain. When they had reached the head of the Gulf natural consequence of this debauch, and when the sleepers were of Olbia they struck inland. The road usually followed would have at last aroused, they set about the preparation for a start in a very taken them by the valley of Sangarius, a river which divides the languid fashion. It was nearly noon before the party was fairly on great chain of the Mysian Olympus. Their guide strongly its way. Darkness came on before the next stage could be reached. dissuaded them from taking it. It was constantly watched, he said, It was while the travellers were bivouacking in a wholly by the mountaineers. No one could hope to escape them, and only unprotected situation that a company of marauders, who had a very strong party could force its way through. The safest plan indeed been watching their movements for some days in the hopes would be by certain paths which he knew, by which they might of finding such an opportunity, fell upon them. The result was hope to cross Olympus unmolested. Only hunters and shepherds disastrous. Alcibiades and Callias, who had been sleeping with know them, or a chance traveller on foot for whom it would not be their horses picketed close to the camp fire, were roused by the worth the robbers while to wait. It was a toilsome and even noise, and springing to their saddles made their escape. Not one of dangerous journey. The first snows of autumn had begun to fall, their followers was equally fortunate. Some were cut down in and even the practical eye of the guide found it difficult to their sleep, others as they were endeavoring to collect their senses. discover the path, while the sufferings of the travellers, who had The sumpter-horses and their burdens, of course, fell into the to bivouac for several nights in the open air, with but scanty fire to hands of the assailants. It was only with what they carried on their warm them, were exceedingly severe. Still, but for one unlucky own persons that the two survivors of the party made their way incident, it would have been accomplished in safety. The party about six days afterwards to the Satrap's winter palace at was now half-way down the southern slopes of Olympus when Gordium. they halted for the night at a road-side inn, or rather caravansary. They found the large reception chamber—it contained two only— already occupied by a party of the vagrant priests of Cybele. While Alcibiades and Callias found accommodation, such as it was, in the smaller room, the rest of the party were thrown upon the hospitality of the priests, unless indeed, they chose to bivouac outside. Unluckily, the priests were only too hospitable. They invited the newcomers to an entertainment which was prolonged into a revel. During the passage of the mountains the allowances of food had been small, and for drink the party had had perforce to be satisfied with the wayside springs or even with melted snow. When they found themselves under shelter, in a room which was at least weather-tight, and warmed with a blazing fire, the sense of contrast tended to relax their powers of self-restraint. The priests had roasted a couple of sheep, and broached a cask of the heady wine of Mount Tmolus, with which a wealthy devotee had presented them. This they drank, and insisted on their guests Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 61 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Callias made his way to the coast with no difficulty. CHAPTER XVII Assuming, at the suggestion of Alcibiades, a citizen's dress, he joined a caravan of traders which was on its way westward, and in their company travelled pleasantly and safely. Arrived at Miletus ATHENS IN THE DUST he took passage in a merchant ship that was bound for Aegina, hoping if he could only get so far, to be able to make his way I feel that my place is at Athens," said Callias to his host a somehow into the city. At one time, indeed, he was terribly afraid few days after their arrival. that this hope would be disappointed. The Swallow—this was the "In spite of the past?" name of the vessel of Aegina—was challenged and overhauled by a Corinthian ship of war. Callias made no attempt to conceal his "Yes. At such a time no one thinks of the past, but only of nationality. Indeed it would have been useless, for an Athenian in the future." those days was about as easily recognized over the whole of the "Well; I cannot say that you are wrong. If you think fit to Greek world as an Englishman is recognized in these, anywhere in go, I shall not seek to hold you back. I must frankly say that I see Europe. To his great surprise the Corinthian captain simply said: little hope." "You can go; I have no order to detain you." That there was no kindness in his permission Callias was perfectly well aware, for "And you?" Callias went on after a pause. "What shall you the hatred of Corinth for Athens was tenfold more bitter than that do, if I may make so bold as to ask?" of Sparta. "If I can save my country at all it will be here. The only It was a quarrel between Athens and Corinth, on the tender hope now is to detach Persia from Sparta. Perhaps now that point of a rebellious Corinthian colony, that had been the Athens has fallen so low, the Persians will see what their true immediate cause of the Peloponnesian War; and even before this interests are. The worst of it is that there is no real ruler, no one to there had always been the potent influence of commercial rivalry carry out a consistent policy. The Great King is absolute at the to set the two states against each other. The young Athenian capital, but in the provinces he is little more than a name. The noticed also a sinister smile on the captain's face; but what it satraps do almost as they please; they actually make war on each meant he was at a loss to determine. other if it suits their purpose. So, it is not what is best for Persia, but what Tissaphernes or Pharnabazus may think best for himself Landed at Aegina he lost no time in enquiring how might that will be done. Still there is a chance left; only I must be on the best reach his destination. spot to seize it if it comes. Were I to go to Athens, I should be "Oh! you will get in easily enough," said the Aeginetan only one man among a useless crowd, and you, my young friend, merchant, the owner of the Swallow, to whom he stated his case. will, I very much fear, be little more." "Please to explain what you mean," said Callias, who was "Anyhow I shall go," replied the young man, "at all events getting a little heated by these mysterious remarks. there will be one sword more to be drawn for Athens." "Well," said the merchant, "King Pausanias is encamped "Yes," muttered Alcibiades to himself, as his companion outside the city in some place that they call the Grove of left the room, "if you get the chance of drawing it. I rather think Academus, I think. Do you know it?" that with that fox Lysander in command, you will do nothing more for Athens than bring one more mouth to be fed." Callias assented with a nod. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 62 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"And Lysander has a hundred and fifty ships off the the watch pacing the vessel's deck. But the man did not challenge, Piraeus. Still I think that you will be able to get in. The blockade and the Piraeus was reached without any difficulty. is not kept very strictly." It was not long before all the mystery was explained. "Had I best go by night?" "This is just what I feared," said Hippocles, to whose "Perhaps it would be better." house the young Athenian hastened. "I knew that you would come "Can you help me to a boat?" back, and I could not warn you." "Certainly; but you will have to pay the boatman pretty "What do you mean," cried the young man in highly, for of course, it is a risk, though it can be done. astonishment. "Was it not my duty to return?" "Will you make the arrangements if I pay you the money "Yes, in one way it was. But tell me how you got here?" in advance?" Callias related the incidents of his journey, and expressed "Certainly, if you do not mind going so far as amina. It is some surprise that the Corinthian captain had not taken him really worth the money." prisoner, and that the blockade was so negligently kept. Callias paid the money, and was told to be in readiness to "And you did not understand what all this meant?" embark at midnight. "No; I understood nothing." It would have enlightened him considerably if he could "My dear friend," said the merchant, "it simply means that have seen the merchant's behavior as soon as he was safely out of Lysander is going to starve us out, and that the more there are of the room. us the easier and the speedier his work will be. This has been his policy all along. He has taken no prisoners. Whenever he has "Ah, you young serpent," the man cried, "you will be allowed to creep into your hole easily enough; but if we don't taken a city, and there is hardly one that has not either been taken suffocate you and your whole brood when we have got you there, or given itself up, he has sent every Athenian citizen home. They my name is not Timagenes." are simply put on their parole to come here. The consequence is that the city is fairly swarming with people, and that there is next The fact was that a revolution of which Callias knew to no food. I have a good store—for some time past I have kept nothing had taken place at Aegina. An old rival and enemy of myself well provisioned, not knowing what might happen—and I Athens, the city had been conquered many years before, and the am able to do something for my poor neighbors. But the state of anti-Athenian party expelled. And now everything was changed. things in the city is simply awful. People, and people too whom I Lysander had brought back the exiles, and though Athens had still know as really well-to-do citizens, are dying of sheer starvation. friends, it was the hostile party that was in power. Callias had As for the poor women and children it is truly heart breaking. Oh, observed a certain change in the demeanor of the people, but was my dear friend, if you had only stopped away; for here you can do too much engrossed in his own affairs to think much about it. nothing. But I knew you would come back, and I honor you for The blockade was run as easily as the Aeginetan had it." foretold. The boat passed within fifty yards of one of the "But can nothing be done?" cried the young man. "It is squadron, and Callias could have sworn that he saw a sentinel on better to die than be starved like a wolf in his den."

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"The people have lost all heart. And indeed, if they were he is a personal friend of mine own—and I will make the best all brave as lions, we are hopelessly outnumbered. Pausanias must terms I can with him.' To this the assembly agreed, having indeed have as many as forty thousand men outside the city, for every nothing better to do.' That was three or four days ago. Theramenes city in the Island except Argo has sent its contingent; and we started the same night. I very much doubt whether he will be able could not muster a fourth part of the number, and such troops too! to do any good. I am not even sure that he means to. But we shall And where is our fleet? At the bottom of the Aegean, or in the see." arsenals of the enemy. I do not suppose that there are fifty ships, A miserable period of waiting followed. Day after day all told, in our docks. And of these a third are not sea-worthy. No, passed, and the envoy neither returned nor sent any we must submit; and yet it is almost as much as a man's life is communication to his fellow countrymen. No one knew where he worth to mention the word." was. Whether he was still with Lysander or had gone on to "But could we not make terms of some kind, not good Sparta—all was a mystery. Meanwhile the distress in the city terms I fear, but still such as would be endurable? Has anything grew more and more acute. Callias had taken up his abode with been done?" Hippocles, and was so out of absolute want. He was perfectly "The Senate sent to Agis, who was at Deceleia, and ready to acquiesce in the extreme frugality which was the rule of proposed peace on these terms: Athens was to become the ally of the house. Free and bond all fared alike, and none had anything Sparta on the condition of having the same friends and the same beyond the most absolute necessaries of life. Whatever could be enemies, but was to be allowed to keep the Long Walls and the spared was devoted to the relief of the needy. Piraeus. Agis said that he had no authority to treat, and bade the Not the least trying part of the situation was the forced envoys go to Sparta. So they came back here, and were directed to inaction. Not even a sally was made. Indeed, it would have been a go. They reached a place on the borders of Laconia and sent on useless waste of life. Not only were the forces of the enemy vastly their message to the Ephors at Sparta, not being allowed to superior, but the besieged soldiers were almost unable to support proceed any further themselves. The Ephors sent back this the weight of their arms, so scanty was the fare to which they answer: 'Begone instantly; if the Athenians really desire peace, let were reduced. There were times when Callias was disposed to them send you again with other proposals, such as having rush sword in hand on some outpost of the enemy, sell his life as reflected more wisely they may be disposed to make.' So the dearly as he could, and perish. envoys returned. Some had hoped that they would do some good. Two things held him back from carrying this idea into I must confess that I had not. There was terrible dismay. At last execution, things curiously unlike, yet working together for the one Archestratus plucked up courage to speak. 'The same result. One was his love for Hermione. Life had not lost all Lacedaemonians can force us to accept what conditions they its charm, his horizon was not wholly dark, while there remained please. Let us acknowledge what we cannot deny, and make peace the light of this hope. Indeed it was the one consolation of his life with them on their own terms.' There was a howl of rage at this, that he was permitted to help her in her daily ministration among for in truth the Lacedaemonian terms were nothing less than this: her needy neighbors. 'Pull down a mile of the Long Walls, and give up your fleet.' The unlucky Archestratus was thrown into prison where he lies still. A string of pensioners presented themselves at the Well, one said one thing, one another. At last Theramenes got up merchant's gates, and received such relief as he could give. But and said: 'The real manager of affairs is neither Agis nor Hermione was not content with this. There were some, she knew, Pausanias, nor even the Ephors, but Lysander. Send me to him— whose pride would not permit them to mingle in the train of Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 64 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

mendicants; there were others whose strength did not permit them Had Lysander amused him with hopes that instructions to come abroad. These she sought out in their own homes. Callias and power to treat would soon be sent down to him from Sparta, found a melancholy pleasure in accompanying and helping her. or had he deliberately waited till the city should be reduced to Not a word of love passed his lips. He would have scorned such a pitch of starvation that it would be ready to consent to any himself if he had added the smallest grain to the burden of care terms? There was a brutal, cold-blooded cruelty in such conduct that she bore. But he never failed in his attendance, and he was that makes it difficult to credit; yet many believed it to be the true hailed by many a poor sufferer with a pleasure only second to that explanation of the delay. To picture the dismay that prevailed which greeted the gracious presence of the girl. When, as through the assembly when Theramenes had given his report of happened before long, fever, the unfailing follower of famine, the negotiations which he had not concluded would be impossible. began to spread its ravages over the Piraeus, his labors and hers There was nothing to be done but accept the bitter necessity. grew more arduous. Battling with these two fearful enemies Theramenes, with nine others, was sent to Sparta with full power within the walls, Callias almost forgot the foes that were without. to treat. They were to accept any terms that might be offered. The The other restraining and strengthening influence was that proud city had fallen as low as that. which Socrates exercised on the young man's mind. All the time Then came another time of waiting. Happily it was not that Callias could spare from the labors that he shared with long. Theramenes felt that the endurance of his countrymen had Hermione was given to the society of the philosopher. The sage's been tried to the uttermost, and that nothing more was to be indomitable courage and endurance were in themselves an gained. Athens was on her knees. It did not suit him and his encouragement of the highest order. Doubtless his physical purposes—for he had purposes of his own, possibly a tyranny, strength, which made him capable of bearing an almost incredible certainly power—that she should be actually prostrate. He and his degree of cold and hunger, helped him to show a dauntless heart colleagues made all the haste that they could; and as their to the troubles which were breaking down so many. Indeed he instructions were simple—to accept anything that might be seemed scarcely to want food or drink. But the steadfastness with offered—there was little to delay them. which he pursued his usual course of life, still keeping up his At the end of about twelve days they returned, it was in the untiring search for wisdom, was a spectacle nothing less than midst of a breathless suspense that Theramenes stood up to make splendid, while nothing could exceed his practical sagacity. his report. What he said may be thus given in outline. Anyone who wanted shrewd advice in the actual circumstances of life, anyone who desired to be lifted out of the sordid present, with "We went with all speed to Sellasia and there waited, its miserable hopes and cares, onto a higher plane of life, came to having sent on a message to the Ephors that we had come with full Socrates and did not come in vain. power to treat. On the second day we were summoned to Sparta. There we found envoys assembled from the allies of the At length, when nearly three months had passed, the long Lacedaemonians. Aristides also was there." period of suspense seemed about to come to an end. The report ran through the city that Theramenes had returned. What were the At the mention of the name of Aristides a murmur of fear terms he had brought back, no one knew. On that point he and rage ran through the assembly. The man was one of the most remained obstinately silent. In fact he had nothing to say, nothing notorious of the anti-patriotic party. He had been in exile for many further, that is, than the fact that Lysander professed himself years, and was believed to have done more harm than anyone else unable to treat; the Ephors must be approached, if anything was to to his native city. be done. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 65 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"The senior of the Ephors stood up, and said: 'Friends and overwhelming majority. The same evening envoys were sent to allies, the Athenians seek for peace. What say you? Shall we put it Lysander announcing that the Spartan conditions had been to them?' One after another the envoys rose in their places. They accepted. did not use many words. It was not the custom of the place to be The next day the gates of the city were thrown open, and long in speech as they knew. All said the same thing. 'We give our the fleet of Lysander sailed into the Piraeus. The ships of war vote against peace. Let Athens be destroyed. There will be no true were handed over to him. Many were destroyed, and indeed the peace so long as she is permitted to exist.' When all had spoken once famous and powerful fleet of Attica had been reduced to a we were called on to speak. 'You hear what these say,' said the state of most deplorable weakness. The sacrifice of the fleet, such Ephor who had not spoken before. 'What have you to reply?' I as it was, was not so very costly after all. The few sea-worthy answered that the Athenians were ready to give all pledges that ships that remained, besides the twelve that the city was permitted might be asked from them they would not harm either Sparta or to retain, were sent off to the Lacedaemonian arsenal of Gytheum. her allies or any city of the Greeks. After this we were all This done, the next thing was to beat down the Long Walls. "This commanded to withdraw. In about the space of an hour we were is the first day of the freedom of Greece," said Lysander, "we summoned again into the chamber. The Ephor rose in his place must keep it as a festival. Send for the flute players." Accordingly and spoke. 'The Corinthians and the other allies demand that the services of every flute player in Attica were requisitioned; and Athens shall be destroyed. Nor do they this without reason. The to the sound of the gayest tunes which they could find in their Athenians have destroyed many cities of the Greeks. Yet can we repertoire the work of demolition went on. Every decent Athenian not forget that they have also in time past done good service to whatever his policy, kept, of course, close within doors; but there Greece. But of these things which you all know it is needless to was nevertheless a vast concourse of spectators, the rabble who speak. Our sentence is this: Let the Athenians pull down their will crowd to any sight, however brutal and humiliating, the army Long Walls for the space of a mile. Let them also surrender their of Pausanias and the crews of Lysander's fleet, with a fleet, keeping only twelve ships. On these terms they shall have miscellaneous crowd of foreigners who had come to gloat over the Peace. These then, O men of Athens,' the speaker continued, are downfall of the haughty city. Loud was the shout that went up the conditions which the Spartans demand. I confess that they are when a clean breach was made through the walls. The general hard. Yet they are better than that which the rest of Greece would feeling was that Athens had suffered a blow from which she could impose upon you. Truly the Lacedaemonians stand between us never recover. But there were some who doubted. "You have and utter destruction. And there is nothing beyond remedy in what scotched the snake, not killed it," said a Corinthian, as he turned they would lay upon us. Walls that are broken down may be away. repaired, and for ships that have been given up many others may he built; but of a city against which the decree of destruction has gone forth, there is an end. Therefore I propose that peace be made with the Lacedaemonians on these terms." One or two speakers ventured to rise in opposition. But they could scarcely get a hearing. Probably they only went but through the form of opposing in order that they might be able at some future time to say that they had done so. With but short delay the proposition was put to vote and carried by an Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 66 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"What say you, Callias?" said Hippocles, turning to the CHAPTER XVIII young man. Callias was only too glad to join any expedition when he NOBLESSE OBLIGE was to have the company of Hermione. He did not give this reason, but he assented to the proposal very heartily. Some fourteen or fifteen days have passed since the "But, father, how shall we go?" said Hermione. "There is humiliation of Athens was completed. To have come to the end, scarcely a horse to be found, I suppose." bitter as it was, was in one way a relief. To know the worst always "Why not go by sea?" was her father's reply. "I have a brings a certain comfort, and that worst might have been, was, in pinnace which would just suit us. We will go to-morrow if the fact, very near being far more terrible than what actually weather holds fine, stop the first night at Sunium, and the second happened. Then there was a great material relief. The pressure of at Marathon. At Sunium there is my villa, and at Marathon there is famine was removed. Supplies poured plentifully into Athens, for a little house of which I can get the use, and which will serve us if the city, in spite of all its sacrifices and losses, was still rich. If we do not mind roughing it a little. We can return the next day. fever still remained—it always lingers a while after its precursor, Only we must take provisions, for except such fish as we may hunger, has departed it was now possible to cope with it catch in the Marathon stream, and possibly some goats' milk, if all effectually. And then, last not least, it was the delightful season of the goats have not been eaten up, we shall have nothing but what spring. The Athenians could once more enjoy the delights of that we bring. That must be your care, Hermione." country life from which they had been shut out so long, but which they had never ceased to love. Attica, indeed, had suffered sadly "Trust me, father," cried the girl joyously. "If you have from the presence, repeated year after year, of the invading host; gone through four months' famine, depend upon it you shall not be but it had suffered less than might have been expected. The olive starved now." yards in particular, had not been touched. A religious feeling had The weather on the following day was all that could be forbidden any injury to a tree which was supposed to be under the desired. A warm and gentle west wind was blowing. special protection of the patron goddess of the land. The sacred groves also of the heroes, that were scattered about the country, This served them very well as they sailed southward to had not been harmed. Not a few houses with their gardens had Sunium. In such good time did they reach the promontory that by been saved by having served as residences for officers high in unanimous vote they agreed to finish the journey that same day. command in the Peloponnesian army. And now Nature, the Sailing northward was as easy as sailing southward, and the sun restorer, was busy in the genial season of growth in healing or at was still an hour, from setting when they reached the northern end least hiding the wounds that had been made by the ravages of war. of the plain, having travelled a distance of upwards of sixty miles. This was about three times as far as they would have had to go, "What do you say to a trip to Marathon?" said Hippocles had they made the journey by land. No one, however, regretted one day, to his daughter and Callias. "You both of you look as if a having followed Hippocles' suggestion. The voyage was indeed as little fresh air would do you good." delightful an excursion as could have been devised. The deep blue "An excellent idea," cried Hermione, clapping her hands, sky overhead, the sea, borrowing from the heavens a color as "it is years since I have seen the place." intense, and only touched here and there with a speck of white where a little wave swelled and broke, sea birds now flying high Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 67 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

in the air, now darting for their prey into the waters, the white wine had ever passed them, but she could not refuse this tribute to cliffs tipped with the fresh green of spring that framed the coast the chief glory of the city of her adoption. line, made a picture that the party intensely enjoyed, although they Hermione, fatigued it may be said, with all the delights of did not put their enjoyment into words with the fluency and ease the day, retired early to rest. Soon after she had gone Callias took which would have come readily to a modern. The ancients loved the opportunity of opening his heart to his companion on a subject nature, but, as a rule, they felt this love much more than they which had long occupied his thoughts. expressed it. "We have peace at last," he said, "not such a peace as I had The little house at Marathon was one that had escaped ever hoped for, but still better than the utter ruin which lately I destruction by having been occupied by a Spartan officer. It was had begun to fear. A good citizen may now begin to think of bare indeed of furniture, but it was habitable; and the party had himself and of his own happiness. You sir, can hardly have failed brought with them the few things that were absolutely necessary, to observe why I have begun to look for that happiness. If your far fewer, we must remember, than what we now consider to be daughter will only consent to share my life, I feel that I shall have indispensable. Supper was felt by all to be a most enjoyable meal. to ask the gods for nothing more. She is free as far as I know. And The room in which they sat was bare, for, of course, the luxurious me you have known from my childhood. You were my father's couches on which it was the fashion to recline were absent. There friend and since he died you have stood in his place. Can you give was not even a table, and there was but one broken chair, which her to me?" was naturally resigned to Hermione. But it was lighted with a cheerful fire, which was not unwelcome after seven or eight hours' Hippocles caught his young companion's hand, and gave it exposure to a high wind. Happily the late occupant had left a store a hearty grasp. of logs, which had been cut on the slopes of Pentelicus in the "I will not pretend," he said, "not to have observed previous autumn, and which now blazed up most cheerfully. The something of what you say; nor will I deny that I have observed it meal was declared by both Hippocles and Callias to be good with pleasure. What father would not be glad if Callias, the son of enough for a state banquet in the Prytaneum. One of the sailors Hipponieus, loved his daughter? Of Hermione's feelings I say had caught a basketful of fish in the stream, and these Hermione nothing, indeed I know nothing, save that she has regarded you had cooked with her own hands. An Athenian who had plenty of since childhood with a strong affection, and that as you say she is fish seldom wanted anything in the way of flesh, and the free. But there are facts which neither you nor I can forget; and provisions which Hermione, not liking to trust to the skill or the the chief of them is this, that while you are Callias, son of luck of the anglers had brought with her, were not touched. A cold Hipponicus, a Eupatrid of the Eupatrids, I am Hippocles, the pudding, some of the famous Attic figs, which had been preserved Alien. I am well-born in my own country, but that is nothing here. through the winter, bread with honey from Hymettus, and dried I am wealthy—so wealthy that I care not a single drachma grapes completed the repast. Some of the goats, it turned out, had whether my future son-in-law has a thousand talents for his survived, and a jug of their milk was forth-coming for Hermione. patrimony or one. I am, I hope and believe, not without honor in The two men had a flask of wine which they largely diluted with the city of my adoption. But I am an alien, my child is an alien. water. When, after the libation, Hippocles proposed the toast of Whether you have thought of all that this means I know not—love the evening, as, in consideration of the locality it might fairly be is apt to hide these difficulties from a man's eyes—but the fact called, "To the memory of the Heroes of Marathon," Hermione must be faced; you and my daughter must face it. You speak of honored it by putting her lips to the cup. It was the first time that my giving her to you. But, if Hermione is a Greek, she is also an Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 68 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Italian. The Italian women choose for themselves. I could not if I won, his culture and taste for philosophy, and his blameless life. would constrain her will, she must decide, and she must answer." "As for wealth," he ended by saying, "that is of little account "There is nothing that I should desire better. But you do where my daughter is concerned. Yet a man should be not tell me, sir, what you yourself wish. Have I your consent and independent of his wife, and I may tell you as one who knows— your good wishes?" and I have had charge of his property for some years past—that Callias is one of the richest men in Athens. That will not weigh "Yes," said Hippocles, "you have. I have thought over the with you, I know, but I would have you know all the difficulties, for I foresaw that you would some day speak to me on circumstances." this subject. As far as I am concerned I am ready to waive them. But then, they do not concern me in the first place." Hermione said nothing; she took her father's hand and kissed it. A tear dropped on it as she raised it to her lips. As she The two men sat in silence for some time after this turned away, Hippocles noticed that she was shaken by a sob. conversation had passed between them, buried each of them in his own thoughts. At last Hippocles rose from his seat. An instinct in the girl's heart told her that it was on the mound that her lover would speak to her, and it was here that she "It is time to sleep," he said; "I will speak to my daughter wished to give her answer to him. It was not the first time that she to-morrow; you shall not want my good word, but I can do had visited it. Indeed there was not a woman and not many men in nothing more. You must speak to her yourself. That is, I think, Athens who knew so much about its records. what few fathers in Greece would tell a suitor to do. But then Hermione is not as other maidens." On the top of this tumulus, which still rises thirty feet above the surrounding plain, and which was then, it is probable, Callias passed a restless night, and was glad to make his considerably higher, there stood in those days eleven stone way into the open air when the first streaks of dawn appeared on columns inscribed with the names of those who had fallen in the the Eubœan hills, which were in full view from the house. He great battle. Each of the ten Athenian tribes had its own peculiar shrank from meeting Hermione till he could meet her alone, and column, while the eleventh commemorated the gallant men of ask the momentous question which was occupying his whole Plataea, Plataea, which alone among the cities of Greece, had sent mind. Partly to employ the time, partly to banish thought, if it her sons on that day to stand shoulder to shoulder with the soldiers might be done by severe bodily exercise, he started to climb the of Athens. height of Pentelicus, which rose on the southern side of the Marathonian plain. The excursion occupied him the whole Hermione was apparently engrossed in the task of morning. On his way back he traversed the hills which skirted the deciphering the names, now become somewhat obliterated by western side of the plain, and, following what was evidently a time, which were engraved on one of the columns. So intent was well-beaten track, came at last in view of the mound under which she on this occupation that she did not notice the young man's reposed the Athenian dead who had fallen in that great battle. His approach. Turning suddenly round, she faced him. At that quick eye soon perceived a familiar figure, conspicuous in its moment, though she had expected him to come, his actual coming white garments among the monuments which stood on the top of was a surprise, and the hot blood crimsoned her face and neck. the mound. Hippocles had filled his promise, and had said all that "Hermione," he said, "I have spoken to your father, and he he could to Hermione in favor of her suitor. He had dwelt upon bids me speak to you. You can hardly have failed to read my his noble birth, the reputation as a soldier which he had already heart, and if I have not spoken to you before, it has been because I

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 69 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

have not presumed. You know all that needs be known about me, that there was nothing that you might not hope for, nothing to and though I do not think myself worthy of you, I need not be which you might not rise." ashamed of my fathers or of myself." "You speak too well of me; but I hope that I am not The brilliant color had faded from the girl's cheek, her altogether unworthy of my ancestors." hand trembled, her bosom heaved. Twice she opened her lips; The girl paused for a while. She seemed unable to utter twice the voice seemed to fail her. At last she spoke. what she had next to say. The flush mounted again to her cheek, "You speak of your fathers. You are, I think, of the tribe of and she stood silent and with downcast eyes. Pandion?" Meanwhile the young man stood in utter perplexity. He "I am," said Callias. had heard nothing from the girl's lips but what might have made "And this is the column of their tribe, and this"—she any man proud to hear. She knew, as she had said, the history of pointed as she spoke—"the name of an ancestor of yours?" his race, and she believed him to be not unworthy of it. Yet this was not the way in which he had hoped to hear her speak. He was "Yes," replied the young man, "this Hipponicus whose conscious that there was something behind that did not promise name you see engraved here was my great-grandfather." well for his hopes. "He had been Archon at Athens the year before the great At last she went on. Her voice was low but distinct, her battle. You see," she added with a faint smile, "I know something eyes were still bent on the ground. of your family history." "And what your fathers have been in Athens, what you "It was so." hope to be yourself, you would have your son to be after you? "And his son, a Callias like yourself, was Archon general "Surely," he answered, without thinking of what he was many times—held, in fact, every honor that Athens could admitting. bestow?" "Could it be so if I—" she altered the phrase—"if a woman "Yes, there was no more distinguished man in the city than not of Athenian blood were his mother?" he." He was struck dumb. So this was the end she had before "And your father; he died, I think I have heard, in early her when she enumerated the honors and distinctions of his race. honor?" "Mind," she said, "I do not say that my race is unworthy of "Doubtless had he lived he would not have been inferior in yours. I am not ashamed of my ancestors. They were chiefs; they distinction to my grandfather." were good men. I am proud to be their daughter. But here in "And you have started well in the same course? I need not Athens their goodness and their nobility goes for nothing. I am ask you that. We all know it better, perhaps, than you know it Hermione, the daughter of Hippocles, the Alien. Marrying me you yourself, and we are proud of it. My dear brother," the girl's voice shut out, not perhaps yourself, but your children from the, career which hitherto had been clear and even commanding in its tones, which is their inheritance. I am too proud, "—and here the girl faltered at the mention of the dead, "my dear brother used to say dropped her voice to a whisper,—"and I love you too well for that."

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 70 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"What is my career to your love?" cried the young man passionately; "I am ready to give up country and all for that." CHAPTER XIX "That," said Hermione, "is the only unworthy thing that I ever heard you say. Your better thoughts will make you withdraw THE END OF ALCIBIADES it. Athens has fallen; the gods know that it has wrung my heart to see it. But she needs all the more such sons as you are. She has Three days after the events recorded in the last chapter—it little now to offer. It is a thankless office, perhaps, to command took so much time for the young man to screw up his courage to her fleets and armies. All the more honor to those who cling to her the point—Callias made his way to the ship-yard of Hippocles at still and cherish her still. You must not leave her or betray her. I an hour when he knew that he would be pretty certain to find the should think foul shame of myself if I tempted you for a moment master there. He was not disappointed, nor could he help being to waver in your loyalty to her. I may not love you—that the gods touched by the warm sympathy with which he was received. have forbidden me—but you will let me be proud of you." "Ah! my dear friend," cried the merchant, "this has been a The young man turned away. The final word, he knew, had great disappointment to me. I must own that I had my fears. I been spoken. This resolution was not to be shaken by indignant know something, you see, of my daughter's temper. I knew that reproaches or by tender pleadings. All that remained was to she had always chafed under our disabilities. Things that have forget, if that was possible. He would not see Hippocles or his ceased to trouble me—and I must own that they never troubled me daughter again till the wound of this bitter disappointment had had much—are grievous to her. You see that I have a power of my time to heal. Returning to the house, which he found empty but own which is quite enough to satisfy any reasonable man. I can't for a single attendant, he snatched a hasty meal, and then set out to speak or vote in your assembly, but I have a voice, if I choose to return overland to Athens. use it, in your policy. She knows very little about this, and would not appreciate it if she did. Besides it would not avail her. No; she feels herself an inferior here, and it galls her; yet that is scarcely the way to put it, for she was thinking much more of you than of herself. I believe that she loves you—she has not confided in me, you must understand, but I guess as much—and she would sooner cut off her right hand than injure you or yours. And then her pride comes in also. 'Am I, daughter of kings as I am,' she says to herself, 'am I to be one to bring humiliation into an ancient house?' Her mother's forefathers would be called barbarians here, but they were kings and heroes for all that. And that is the bitterness of it to her: to feel herself your equal in birth, and yet to know that to marry you would be to drag you down." "I understand," said Callias, "it is noble; but just now my heart rebels very loudly against it. Let us say no more. I have come to ask you what you would advise. For the present I cannot stay at Athens." Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 71 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"That," said Hippocles, "is exactly what I wanted to talk to who will put you in the way of hearing all that is to be heard. If you about; if you had not come to-day I should have sought for the man's credit is shaky at all, then I shall know that this you. You wish to leave Athens, you say. It is well, for it would not proposition of his is a desperate venture. If all is sound, I shall feel be safe for you to stay. We shall have a bad time in Athens for the pretty sure that he has got hold of a good thing." next few months, perhaps for longer. The exiles have come back "I know very little of such matters," said the young Callias full of rage and thirsting for revenge. And then there is after a pause. Theramenes; he is the man you have to fear. He has the murder of the generals on his soul. That, perhaps, would not trouble him "I do not ask you to go that you may judge of this much but he fears all who might be disposed to call him to particular enterprise; I simply want you to find out what people account for it. He knows that you were the kinsman and dear are saying about Diagoras—that is my correspondent's name; you friend of Diomedon, and he will take the first opportunity that will be simply an Athenian gentleman on his travels. Keep your may occur of doing you a mischief. And opportunities will not be ears open and you will be sure to hear something." wanting. I suspect that for some time to come, with the Oligarchs "Well," said Callias, "I will do my best; but don't expect in power and the Lacedaemonians to back them up, laws and too much." constitutional forms will not go for much in Athens." "Can you start to-morrow?" "And you advise me to go?" said Callias. "Yes, if you think it necessary." "Certainly there is nothing to keep you. For the present there is no career for you here. I don't despair of Athens; but for "Well, my affair is not urgent for some days, at least. But some time to come she will have a very humble part to play." for yourself, I fancy you cannot get out of the way too soon. I don't think that Theramenes and his friends will stick much at "Have you anything to suggest?" forms and ceremonies. I own that I shall feel much happier when "I have been thinking over it for two or three days. Many there are two or three hundred miles of sea between you and them. things have occurred to me, but nothing so good as was suggested Be here an hour after sunset to-morrow. By that time I shall have by a letter which I received this morning. It came from a merchant arranged for your passage and got ready your letters of in Rhodes with whom I have had dealings for some years past. My introduction and the rest of it." correspondent asks for a large advance in money for a commercial "Well," said the young man to himself as he went to make speculation which he says promises large profits. I have always his preparations for departure, "this, it must be confessed, is a found the man honest; in fact the outcomes of my dealings with little hard on me. Hermione says, 'Stop in Athens and stick to your him in the past have been quite satisfactory. But this new venture career'; her father says, 'If you stop in Athens you are as good as a that he proposes is a very large one indeed. I like what he tells me dead man, and your career will be cut short by the hemlock cup.' I of it. It opens up quite a new field of enterprise; and new fields, I have to give up my love for my career and then give up my career need hardly tell you, have a great charm for a man in my position. for my life." The ordinary routine of commerce does not interest me very much; but something new is very attractive. Now I want you to go It is needless to relate the incidents of my hero's voyage to to Rhodes for me. Make all the enquiries you can about the Rhodes or of his stay on that island. His special mission he was character and standing of my correspondent, whom, curiously able to accomplish easily enough. Diagoras' speculation was, as enough, I have never seen. I will give you introductions to those he soon found out, the last resource of an embarrassed man; and Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 72 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

the loan for which he asked would be a risk too great for any It was the first time he had spoken in the fugitive's hearing, prudent person to undertake. The letter in which he communicated and the man, who, now that his ravenous hunger was appeased, what he had heard to Hippocles was crossed by one from Athens. had leisure to notice other things, started at the sound of his voice. From this he learned that the political anticipations of the He, on his part, seemed to recognize something. merchant had been more than fulfilled. The oligarchical revolution "Many thanks, sir," he said; "the gods pay you back had been carried on with the most outrageous violence. On the tenfold. But surely," he went on, "I have seen you before. Ah! very day on which he had left Athens, an officer of the now I remember. You are Callias, the son of Hipponicus, and you government had come with an order for his arrest. were my master's guest in Thrace." All this was interesting; still more so was a brief A light flashed on the young Athenian's mind. The man communication from Alcibiades which the merchant enclosed. had been one of Alcibiades' attendants in his Thracian castle. "Alcibiades to Callias, son of Hipponicus, greeting. Great "Ah! I remember," he cried, "and, your master was things are possible now to the bold of whom I know you to be Alcibiades. But what do you here? How does he fare?" one. More I do not say, but come to me as soon as you can. Farewell." The man burst into tears. "Ah, sir, he is dead, cruelly killed by those villains of Spartans. He was the very best of masters. I The merchant had added a postscript. "I leave this for your never had a rough word from him. We all loved him." consideration. Alcibiades has a certain knack of success. But the risk will be great." "Tell me," said Callias, "how it happened. I was on my way to him," and he read to the man the brief note that had been "What is risk to me?" said Callus. "I can't spend my life forwarded to him at Rhodes. idling here." "Yes, I understand. I know when that was written. He had The next day he left the island, taking his passage in a great hopes of being able to do something. I did not rightly merchant ship which, by great good luck was just starting for understand what it was, but the common talk among us who were Smyrna. Smyrna was reached without any mishap. Four days of his household was that he was going to the Great King to afterwards, he started with a guide for the little village in Phrygia persuade him that the best thing that he could do would be to set from which Alcibiades had dated his note. Halting at noon on the Athens on her feet again to help him against Sparta. Oh! he was a first day's journey to rest their horses, they were accosted by a wonderful man to persuade, was my master. Nobody could help miserable looking wayfarer, who begged for some scraps of food, being taken by him." declaring that he had not broken his fast for four and twenty hours. Something in the man's voice and face struck Callias as "But tell me the story," said the young man. familiar, and he puzzled in vain for a solution of the mystery, "Well, it happened in this way. My master had gone up to while the stranger sat eagerly devouring the meal with which he see Pharnabazus, the Satrap, who had promised to aid him on his had been furnished. way up to Susa to see the Great King. There were six of us with "Here," said Callias, when the man had finished his repast him; his secretary, myself and four slaves. There was Timandra, and was thanking him, "here is something to help you along till also, whom he used to call his wife; but his real wife was an you can find friends or employment." And he gave him four or Athenian lady, Hipparete, I have heard say." five silver pieces. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 73 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Yes," interrupted Callias, "I knew her; a cousin of my "Ah! sir," cried the man, "we were helpless, we had not a own; a most unhappy marriage. But go on." sword between us. We hid ourselves, and the next morning took "Well, Pharnabazus received him most hospitably. There our master's body and carried it to Timandra. She made a great was no good house in the village, so we had three cottages. funeral, spending upon it, poor thing, nearly every drachma she Alcibiades had one; the secretary and I another, and the slaves, a had. When we had seen the last of my dear master, the secretary third. Every day the Satrap sent a handsome supply of provisions said that he had friends at Tarsus, and set out to go there. I thought for us; dishes and wine from his own table for my master, and for that I had best make my way to Smyrna. Thanks to your goodness, us all that we could want for ourselves. I never fared better in my I shall now be able to get there, but I was very nearly dying of life. And my master had long talks with him and seemed in starvation. But what, if I may ask, are you thinking of doing?" excellent spirits. Everything was going on as well as possible. "That I can't tell," replied the Athenian; "as I told you, I Then there came a change. I never could find out whether my was on my way to Alcibiades." master had heard anything to make him suspicious. If he had, he "Well, sir, I can tell you this," rejoined the stranger, "no certainly told the secretary nothing about it. But he was very much friends of my master's will be safe here. Pharnabazus, I feel sure, depressed. First he sent Timandra away. She was very unwilling had no great love for him, notwithstanding all his politeness; as to go, poor lady, for she did love my master very much, though, as for the Spartans, they hated him; and I did hear that the people I say, she was not really his wife. But my master insisted on it, so who are now in power at Athens had sent to say that peace could she went away to stay with some friends. After that his spirits not last unless he were put out of the way. Yes, sir, if anyone grew worse and worse. He used to tell his secretary the dreams he recognizes that you are my master's friend, you are a dead man." had. Once he dreamt he was dressed in Timandra's clothes, and that she was putting rouge and powder on his face. At another "Why," said Callias, I have made no secret of it. In Smyrna time he seemed to see himself laid on a funeral pyre and the I spoke about him to the people with whom I was staying. No one people standing round ready to set it on fire. The very night after said a word against him." he had that dream we were awakened by a tremendous uproar; the "Very likely not," replied the man, "for they thought that secretary and I got up and looked out. The master's cottage, which he was alive, and no one liked to have my master for an enemy. was about a stadium away from ours was on fire, and there were a He had a wonderful way of making friends to have the upper hand number of Persians, about fifty or sixty, standing round it, and contriving that his adversaries should have the worst of it. But shouting out and cursing him. The next moment we saw the door now that he is dead you will find things very different." of the cottage open, and the master ran out with a cloak round his head, to keep himself from being choked by the smoke, and with a "What is to be done?" asked the young Athenian. "Can you sword in his hand. As soon as he was clear of the burning cottage trust your guide?" he threw down the cloak and rushed straight at the nearest Persian. "I know nothing of the man. I simply hired him because I The man turned and ran. There was not one of them that dared was told that he was a fairly honest fellow, knew the country very stand for a moment. But they shot at him with arrows. They had well, and would not run away if a robber made his appearance." fastened the gates of the enclosure in which the cottages stood, you must understand, so that he could not escape. In fact he was "Well, then get rid of him." climbing over one of them when he was killed." "But how?" "And you; what did you do?" Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 74 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Tell him that you have a headache, and that you will Syracusan merchantman just about to start, shipped on board her, come on after him when you have rested a little and the sun is not and after a prosperous voyage found themselves in the chief city so hot, and that he had better go on, get quarters at the next stage of Sicily. and have everything ready for you when you shall arrive. As soon as he is gone, get back as fast as you can to Smyrna. The news will hardly have reached that place yet, indeed we may be sure that it has not, or you would have heard of it before you started. Go down to the docks, and take your passage in any ship that you can find ready to start. Even if it is going to Athens never mind; you will be able to leave it on the way. Anyhow, get out of Asia at any risk." "And you?" "Oh, no one will care about me. I am a very insignificant person. But, as a matter of fact, I shall try to get to Syracuse. I was born there." "Syracuse will do as well for me as any other place. Why not come with me if it can be managed? I was able to do you a little service, and you have done me a great one. Let us go together." The plan was carried out with the greatest success. Callias made the best of his way to Smyrna, and left his horse at an inn, not, of course, the one from which he had started. As he had plenty of money for immediate wants, besides letters of credit from Hippocles, he thought it safer not to attempt to sell the animal. He then provided himself with different clothes, purchasing at the same time a suit for his new acquaintance. These he ordered to be sent to a small house of entertainment near the docks which they had arranged should be the place of meeting. Shortly before sunset the man appeared. Meanwhile Callias had arranged for a passage for himself and his servant in a ship bound for Corinth. They would not venture into Corinth itself, but would transfer themselves at the port of Cenchreae into some ship bound for Sicily. Before the morning of the next day the two were on their way westward. Everything went well. At Cenchreae they found a

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The noble house of which Callias was the representative CHAPTER XX had, of course, its hereditary guest-friend at Syracuse. Naturally there had been very little intercourse between citizens of the two states in late years; but the old tie remained unbroken, and Medon, DIONYSIUS for that was the Syracusan's name, was as ready to give a hospitable welcome to the young Athenian, as if he had been a It was with no common emotion that the young Athenian citizen of one of his country's allies, a merchant prince of Corinth, entered the great harbor of Syracuse. It was here that the really or a scion of one of the two royal houses of Sparta. He insisted fatal blow had been struck from which his country had never upon his guest taking up his quarters in his house, and exerted recovered. She had struggled gallantly on for nearly ten years after himself to the utmost to supply and even anticipate every want. she had lost the most magnificent armament that she had ever sent "Now you have seen something of the outside of our city," forth, but the wound had been mortal. Thenceforward she had said Medon to his friend as they sat together after the evening been as a man of whose life-blood a half had been drained away. meal on the third day after his arrival, "you should know Callias had read, shortly before leaving Athens for the last time, something of its politics. But first let me make sure that we are the magnificent passage, then recently published, in which the alone." great historian of Athens had described the decisive battle in the harbor. The sight of the place now enabled him to realize it to The dining chamber in which the two were sitting had an himself in the most vivid way. He seemed to see the hostile fleets anteroom. The door of this the Syracusan proceeded to bolt. crowded together in a way for which there was no precedent, two "Now," he said, "we shall have no eavesdroppers. Any hundred war galleys in a space so narrow that maneuver was inquisitive friend may listen at that other door, with all this space impossible, and nothing availed but sheer fighting and hard blows; between us and him, without getting much idea of what we are while the shores seemed alive again as they had been on that talking about. All the other walls are outer walls, as you know, eventful day with a crowd of eager spectators, the armies of the and unless a certain great personage has the birds of the air in his two contending powers, who looked on with passionate cries and pay, we may talk without reserve. You look surprised. Well, you gestures at such a spectacle as human eyes had scarcely witnessed will understand things a little better when you have heard what I before, a mighty war-game in which their own liberties and lives have to tell you. You know something, I suppose, of what has were the stake. The heights that ran above the harbor were been happening here of late years. The fact is we have been going scarcely less significant. There, its remains still visible, had been through an awful time. No sooner were we free of the danger that the Athenian line of investment. If only a few yards more had you put us in—you must pardon me for alluding to it—than we been completed, the young man thought to himself, the whole were confronted with another which was every whit as course of history might have been changed. Not far away was the formidable. Another wretched quarrel between two towns in the spot where the sturdy infantry of Thebes had withstood the fiery island—curiously enough the very same two that were concerned shock of his own countrymen, and so, not for the first time, in your expedition against us. —brought in a foreign invader. This wrested from them the empire that seemed almost within their time it was the Carthaginians. They had had settlements in the grasp. And somewhere—no one knew where—his own father had island for many years, had always coveted the dominion of the fallen, one of the thousands of noble victims who had been whole, and more than once had been very near getting it. sacrificed to the greed and ambition of a restless democracy.

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"They were not far from success this time. First they took truth, though personally I hate the idea, as any noble must—it is Selinus and massacred every creature in it; then they took the nobles that always hate a tyrant most—yet I do not see that Acragas; then they utterly destroyed Himera. Something made anything could be better for Syracuse. The Carthaginian danger is them hold their hands, and we had a short breathing space. Four not over yet, and Dionysius is the very ablest soldier and years afterwards they came back in greater force than ever. administrator that we have. Of course the pinch will come later. A Acragas was besieged; it held out bravely, but at last the ruler of this sort always becomes harder, more cruel, more population had to leave it; only Syracuse was left. Again when in suspicious as he grows older. And if he has a son, brought up in the full tide of victory, the Carthaginians held their hand. Do you the bad atmosphere of tyranny, the country has a terrible time of ask me why? I cannot tell you. But listen to the fourth article of it. Happily the son is generally a fool, and brings the whole thing the treaty of peace." In spite of the precautions that he had taken down with a crash. But all this is far off. Dionysius is still a young against being overheard, Medon, at this point lowered his voice. man, not more than twenty-six years old, I fancy. However, you "Syracuse is to be under the rule of Dionysius. Yes; the secret is shall see him—we are very good friends in public—and judge for there; it was he that made it worth their while to go; and you may yourself." be sure that it was worth his while to buy them off. I must allow Callias, who had the hereditary abhorrence of his race for that he was the only man who showed a grain of sense or courage anything like tyranny, demurred at the proposed introduction to in the whole matter; the other generals as they were called were the despot. Medon was very urgent in over-ruling his objection. hopelessly imbecile. Well, they went, and Dionysius became, "Don't mistake Sicily for Greece," he said; "we are half barbarous, shall we call it, 'commander-in-chief,' or perhaps as we are quite and what would be monstrous with you is quite in its right place alone, 'tyrant?' He had not an easy time of it at first; I don't here. I grant you that an honest man should have no dealings with suppose that he will ever have an easy time, tyrants seldom do. a tyrant who should set himself up at Thebes, or Corinth, or The nobles and the heads of the democratic party leagued together Argos. But it is different here. I am sure that the man governs us against him, and drove him out. That did not last long. Of course better than we should be governed by the people, or, for the matter the conquerors used their victory most brutally. They were furious of that, by the nobles either." that Dionysius had slipped out of their hands, and wreaked their vengeance on his poor wife. I can't tell you the horrible way in At last the Athenian consented. "Very good," cried Medon, which they killed her. She was the daughter, too, of Hermocrates, "you will go. Then we will lose no time about it. Depend upon it, one of the very best and noblest men that Syracuse ever had. Dionysius knows all about you; and if you do not pay your Equally of course they quarrelled over the spoils. Naturally, respects to him without loss of time he will be suspicious. before long they had nothing left to quarrel over. Dionysius hired Suspicion is the bane of his situation. Servant, friend, wife; he a force of Campanian mercenaries, the hardest hitters, by the way, trusts nobody." that I ever saw, and drove them out of the city. Now, I fancy, he is The next day Medon and his guest presented themselves at pretty firmly seated. The people like him; they were never as fit, the palace. The Athenian had half turned back when he found that you must know, for popular government as yours are. He gives he must be searched. No one was admitted into the presence until them plenty of employment and amusements, wrings the money that precaution had been taken, and his freeman's pride revolted. out of us with a tight hand, and scatters it among them with an Medon simply shrugged his shoulders. "He is quite right," he open one. Of course a dagger may reach him, and there are not a whispered to his indignant friend, "he would not live a month if he few that are kept ready sharpened for the chance. Barring that, he did not do it." is likely to be master here as long as he lives. And to tell you the Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 77 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Dionysius was, or pretended to be, busy with his studies, been in my place now. What he intended to do I have done. I when the two visitors were announced. A slave was reading to saved Syracuse as he saved her from Athens; and I dare say that in him from a roll; and he was taking notes on a wax tablet. He a year or two my grateful countrymen would have banished me as welcomed the newcomers with much cordiality. they banished him. Only I have been beforehand with them. So "So, Medon, you have brought your Athenian friend at much for politics; now let us talk of something more pleasant and last. I hope that you have not been slandering me to him." more profitable. "My lord," answered Medon with a courtly bow, "I have "Tell me now, do you know one Socrates in your city, a told him the history of the last five years, and have taken him to very wise man they tell me?" see Syracuse. That is not the way to slander you." "Yes, I know him well." "Good," said Dionysius, "I shall have you a courtier yet." "And he is wise?" He then turned to the Athenian, asked him a few questions, all "Yes, indeed; there is no one like him; and so the god with the nicest tact, about his movements, and finally named a thought, for the Pythia declared him to be the wisest of men." time when he should be at leisure to have some real conversation with him. "I should dearly like to see him. Do you think it likely that he would come here, if I were to invite him? I would make it "Believe me," he said, "I honor the Athenians more than worth his while." any other people in Greece; a strange thing you may think for a Syracusan to say, but it is true." "I fear there is no chance of it. He never leaves Athens; never has left it except when he served abroad with the army, and Certainly when Callias presented himself at the appointed as for money, he is quite careless about it." time, everything that his royal host had said seemed to bear out this assurance. "After to-day," he said, "politics shall be banished "But he takes a fee for his teaching, I suppose." from our talk. Don't suppose for a moment that if I had been a "Not a drachma." citizen of Athens, I should have attempted, that I should even have wished, to be what I am here. But Syracuse is not capable of being "Well, that astonishes me. Why, Georgias would not teach what Athens is. Even you find liberty a little hard to manage anyone for less than half a talent, and has got together, I suppose, sometimes. Here it is a farce, only a very bloody farce. Listen to a pretty heap of money by this time. But, perhaps, if I could not what happened to my father-in-law, Hermocrates. There never get the great man himself, I might get one of his disciples. Whom was an abler man in the country. If it had not been for him, I do men reckon to be the first among them?" verily believe that you would have conquered us. He saved the "I think that one Plato is the most famous. He was a poet city; and then, a little time afterwards, because he did not do what when he was quite young, indeed he is young now, and had a ten years before no one would have dreamt of doing, that is, great reputation; but he has given up poetry for philosophy." conquer you Athenians in a sea-fight, they banished him. Can you imagine such ingratitude, such folly? Well; he was not disposed to "That seems a pity. I don't see why a man should not be put up with it; he saw what I see, that the Syracusans are not fit to both poet and philosopher. I am a little of both myself. Can you govern themselves, and if it had not been for an accident, perhaps remember anything that he has written?" I ought rather to say his own reckless courage, he would have

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 78 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Yes; there was an epigram which everyone was repeating "Well," said Dionysius, "the stock will be exhausted when I left Athens. It was written for the tomb of one of his fellow before long. And there is no one, you say, besides him?" disciples." "No one, certainly of any reputation." "Let me hear it." "Then there would be a chance for an outsider? But would Callias repeated, a dramatist that was not an Athenian be allowed to exhibit?" "In life like Morning star thy shining head; I know nothing to the contrary. But I do not know that And now the star of Evening 'mid the dead." there has ever been a case. Anyhow it would be easy to exhibit in "Very pretty indeed. I have something very like it of my the name of a citizen." own. Would you like to hear it?" "An excellent idea! I shall certainly manage it somehow. Callias of course politely assented and expressed as much The first prize at your festival would be almost as well worth admiration as his conscience permitted, possibly a little more, for having as the tyranny itself." the composition was vapid and clumsy. It is not surprising that a ruler who cherished such tastes But though Dionysius was an indifferent composer, he had should have reckoned a library among the ornaments which were really a very strong interest in literary matters. Personal vanity had to make Syracuse the most splendid among Greek cities. In his something to do with it, for he was fully convinced of his own Athenian guest he believed himself to have found a competent abilities in this way; but he had a genuine pleasure in talking on agent for carrying this purpose into effect; and Callias was in truth the subject. This was indeed the first of many conversations which a well educated person who knew what books were worth buying. the young Athenian had with him. Politics were never mentioned He was well acquainted with the literature of his own country and again, but poetry, the drama, indeed every kind of literary work, had a fairly competent knowledge of what had been produced supplied topics of unfailing interest. The drama was, perhaps, the elsewhere in Greece. For the next three years it was his despot's favorite topic. He had received not long before Callias' employment, and one, on the whole not uncongenial to his tastes, arrival, a copy of the play which was described in my first to collect volumes for Dionysius. In Sicily there was little culture, chapter, and was never tired of asking questions about various but the Greek cities of Italy furnished a more fertile field. There points of interest in it. It soon became evident that his special was not indeed much in the way of belles-lettres. Works of this ambition lay in this direction. kind had to be imported for the most part, either from Athens, or from Lesbos, where the traditions of the school of Sappho and "So, now that your two great men are gone," he said to the Alcaeus were not extinct, but books on philosophy and science, young Athenian, "you have no man of really the first rank among could be secured in considerable numbers. At Croton, for your dramatists?" instance, Callias was fortunate enough to secure a valuable "I should say not," replied Callias. "Some think well of scientific library which had been for some years in the family of Iophon, who is the son of Sophocles. Others say that he would be Democedes, while at Tarentum he purchased a handsome nothing without his father. They declare that the old man helped collection of treatises by teachers of the school of Pythagoras. him when he was alive, and that what he has brought out since his This occupation was varied in the second year of his father's death is really not his own." residence by an interesting mission to Rome. That city, the rising greatness of which so keen an observer as Dionysius was able to Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 79 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

discern, was at this time sorely distressed by a visitation of famine, and had applied far and wide for help. The harvests of CHAPTER XXI Sicily had been remarkably abundant, and Dionysius sent a magnificent present of a hundred thousand bushels of wheat, putting Callias in charge of the mission. CYRUS THE YOUNGER In spite of these honorable and not distasteful Almost the first person that the Athenian saw when he employments the young Athenian did not greatly like his position. disembarked at Tarsus was Xenophon. The latter was evidently in It would indeed have been scarcely endurable to a soul that had the highest spirits. been reared in an atmosphere of liberty, but for the fact that his work took him much away from Syracuse. Dionysius was all "You are come at exactly the right moment," he cried. "All courtesy and generosity in his dealings with him; but he was a is going well; but, three days ago, I should have said that all tyrant; there was iron under his velvet glove. It was therefore with would end badly. Cyrus and Clearchus have thrown for great a considerable feeling of relief that in the early spring of the third stakes, and they have won; but at first the dice were against them. (or according to classical reckoning the fourth) year after the fall But I forget; you know nothing of what happened. I will explain. of Athens, he received a missive from Xenophon couched in the You know something about Cyrus, the Great King's brother" following terms. Callias assented. "Meet me at Tarsus with all the speed you can. Great "You know that he was scarcely contented to be what he things lie before us, of which you will hear more at the proper was, in fact that he was disposed to claim the throne." time. Farewell." "I heard some talk of the kind when I was with Leave of absence was obtained with some difficulty, and Alcibiades." towards the end of June, Callias found himself at the appointed place. "Listen then to what happened. Cyrus, to put a long story in a few words, collected by one means or another about thirteen thousand Greek soldiers. He gave out that he was going to lead them against the mountain tribes of Cilicia. But his real object has all along been to march up to Susa, and drive the King from his throne. Clearchus knew this; I fancy some others guessed it; I know I did for one. But the army knew nothing about it. Of course it had to come out at last. When we came to Tarsus, the men had to be told. If we were going to act against the Cicilian mountaineers, now was the time. If not, why had we been brought so far? When the truth was known there was a frightful uproar. The men declared that they would go back. It was madness, they said, for a few thousand men to march against the Great King. For four days I thought all was lost. Clearchus and Cyrus managed admirably. I will tell you all about it some day. Meanwhile it is enough to say that all is settled. The men have changed their tone Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 80 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

completely. They talk of nothing but ransacking the treasuries of reached. Then all disguise was thrown off. Cyrus was marching the King, and Cyrus is quite magnificent in his promises. He gives against his brother, and he would give each man a bonus of a a great banquet to the officers to-night. I am going with Proxenus, year's pay when he had reached Babylon. who is my special friend among the generals, and I have no doubt So the long and tedious march went on. The King made no that I can take you. Cyrus, I assure you, is a man worth knowing, signs of resistance. Line after line of defence was found and, though we should call him a barbarian, worth serving." unguarded. At last, just ten weeks after the army had marched out The Persian prince, when Callias came to make his of Tarsus, a Persian horseman attached to Cyrus' person, came acquaintance, bore out, and more than bore out, the high character galloping up with the news, which he shouted out in Greek and which Xenophon had given of him. A more princely man in look Persian, "The King is coming with a great army ready for battle." and bearing never lived. That he was a stern ruler was well Something like a panic followed, for the invaders had known, but his subjects needed stern methods; but for courtesy almost begun to think that they would not have to fight. Cyrus and generosity he could not be matched, and he had that genial sprang from the carriage in which he had been riding, donned his manner which makes these qualities current coin in the market of corslet, and mounted his charger; the Greeks rushed to the wagons the world. He was of unusual stature, his frame well knit and well in which they had deposited their armor and weapons, and proportioned, and his face, though slightly disfigured by scars prepared themselves hastily for battle. which he had received in early life in a fierce death struggle with a bear, singularly handsome. Proxenus introduced his friend's friend By mid-day all was ready. Clearchus was in command of as a young Athenian who had come to put his sword at his the right wing, which consisted of the heavy-armed Greeks, and disposal, and Cyrus at once greeted him with that manner of rested on the Euphrates; the light-armed Greeks, with some friendliness and even comradeship which made him so popular. Paphlagonian cavalry, stood in the center; on the left were the At the same time he made some complimentary remark about Persians under Ariaeus, Cyrus' second in command. The extreme Athens, saying that the Athenians had been formidable enemies, left of all was occupied by Cyrus himself with his body guard of and would hereafter, he hoped, be valuable friends. six hundred horsemen. All wore cuirasses, cuisses and helmets; but Cyrus, wishing to be easily recognized, rode bareheaded. The banquet could not fail, under such circumstances, of being a great success. Everyone was in the highest spirits, and It was afternoon before the enemy came in sight. First, a when Cyrus, in thanking his guests for their company, said that white cloud of dust became visible; then something like a black though Greece and Persia had been enemies in the past they would pall spread far and wide over the plain, with now and then a spear be firm friends in the future, he was greeted with a burst of point or bronze helmet gleaming through the darkness. Silently tumultuous applause. the huge host advanced, its left on the river, its right far overlapping Cyrus' left, so great was its superiority in numbers. The next day the army set out, their last remaining scruples "Strike at the center," said the Prince to Clearchus, as he rode dispelled by an increase of pay. There wail still a certain reserve along the line, "then our work will be done." in speaking about the object of the campaign but everyone knew that it was directed against the Great King. Two days' march took He knew his countrymen; the King himself was in the them to Issus, a town destined to become famous in later days. center. If he should be killed or driven from the field, victory was The difficult pass of the Cicilian Gate was found unguarded. assured. About a month later the ford of the Euphrates at Thapsacus was

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 81 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

The hostile lines were only two furlongs apart, when the Greeks raised the battle shout, and charged at a quick pace, which CHAPTER XXII soon became a run. A few minutes afterwards the Persians broke. Their front line, consisting of scythe-armed chariots, for the most part, turned and drove helter-skelter through the ranks of their THE RETREAT countrymen; the few that charged the advancing foe did, perhaps attempted to do, no harm. The ranks were opened to let them Seven weeks have passed since the catastrophe recorded in through, and they took no further part in the battle. Anyhow the my last chapter. Curiously enough the Greeks had returned to their Greeks won the victory without losing a single man. camp after their easily won victory without any suspicion of what had happened on the other side of the battle field. They wondered, Meanwhile the King, posted, as has been said, in the indeed, that Cyrus neither came nor sent to congratulate them on center, seeing no one to oppose him, advanced as if he would take their success, but the news of his death which was brought to them the Greeks on their flank. Cyrus, seeing this, charged with his six next morning by an Ionian Greek, who had been in the service of hundred, and broke the line in front of the King. The troopers Cyrus, came upon them like a thunderclap. Then had followed a were scattered in the ardor of pursuit, and the Prince was left period of indecision and perplexity. So long as they had to answer alone with a handful of men. Even then all might have been well insolent messages from the King or Tissaphernes, bidding them but for the fit of ungovernable rage which seized him. He spied give up their arms and be content with such chance of pardon as his brother the King in the throng, and, crying out, "There is the they might have, their course was plain. To such demands only man," pressed furiously towards him. One blow he dealt him, one answer was possible. "We will die sooner than give them up," piercing his corslet, and making a slight wound. Then one of the had been the reply which Cleanor the Arcadian, the senior officer, King's attendants struck Cyrus with a javelin under the eye. The had made. But when the Persians began to treat, when they agreed two brothers closed for a moment in a hand-to-hand struggle. But upon a truce, and even allowed the Greeks to provision Cyrus and his followers were hopelessly overmatched. In a few themselves, the course to be followed became less plain. minutes the Prince and eight of his companions were stretched on Tissaphernes made indeed the most liberal offers. "We will lead the ground. One desperate effort was made to save him. Artapates, you back to Greece," he said, "and find you provisions at a fair the closest of his friends, leaped from his horse, and threw his price. If we do not furnish them, you are at liberty to take them for arms around his body. It did but delay the fatal blow for the yourself only you must swear that you will behave as if you were briefest space. The next moment Cyrus was dead. marching through the country of friends." There were some who roundly said that the Greeks had best have no dealings with the man; he was known to be treacherous and false; this was only his way of luring them on to their death. On the other hand it was difficult to refuse terms so advantageous. It was possible that the satrap, though not in the least friendly, was genuinely afraid, and would be glad to get rid at any price of visitants so unwelcome. This was the common opinion. If the army could find its way home without fighting, it would be madness to reject the chance. For many days past, everything had gone smoothly; relations between the Greeks and Tissaphernes seemed to become more and Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 82 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

more friendly. Clearchus, the general, commanding in chief, had that is in authority to bear a message from the King." The veteran even dined with the satrap, had been treated in the most friendly Cleanor accordingly went forward. fashion, and had now come back to the camp with a proposition "Let me go with you," cried Xenophon, "I am eager to hear from him for a formal conference at which the Greeks were to be what has become of my friend Proxenus. Come you, too," he represented by their principal generals. Some voices were raised whispered to Callias. against this proposal. "No one ever trusted Tissaphernes without repenting it," was the sentiment of not a few, Xenophon amongst Ariaeus addressed them: "Thus saith the King; Clearchus, the number. But the opposition was overruled. Five generals and having forsworn himself and broken the truth, has been put to twenty inferior officers proceeded to the tent of Tissaphernes, death. Proxenus and Medon are honorably treated. As for you, the followed by a troop of stragglers, who availed themselves of the King demands your arms, seeing that they belonged to Cyrus, who favorable opportunity, as they thought it, of marketing within the was his slave." enemy's lines. Cleanor's answer was brief and emphatic, "Thou villain, "Calliias," said Xenophon to his friend on the morning of Ariaeus, and the rest of you, have you no shame before gods or this eventful day, "my mind misgives me. The soothsayer tells me men, that you betray us in this fashion, and make friends with that that, though the sacrifices have been generally favorable, there perjurer Tissaphernes?" have always been some sinister indications. And certain it is that Ariaeus could only repeat that Clearchus was a traitor. we have never put ourselves so completely in the enemy's power "Then," cried Xenophon, "why not send us back Proxenus and as we have this day. Tissaphernes has only to say the word and Medon, good men you say, who would advise both you and us for our most skillful leaders are dead men. But, hark, what is that?" the best?" A cry of surprise and wrath went up from the camp, and To this no answer was made; and the party slowly made the two Athenians rushed out of the tent in which they had been their way back to the camp. The worst had happened. They were sitting, to ascertain the cause. One glance was enough. The in the midst of their enemies, more than a thousand miles from the stragglers were hurrying back at the top of their speed with the sea; and they had lost their leaders. Persians in hot pursuit. Among the foremost of the fugitives was an Arcadian officer, who, fearfully wounded as he was, managed The two Athenians, who shared the same tent, lay down to to make his way to the camp. "To arms!" he cried, "Clearchus and rest at an early hour. It still wanted some time to mid-night, when the rest are either dead or prisoners." Instantly there was a wild Xenophon surprised his companion by suddenly starting up. rush for arms. Everyone expected that the next moment would "I believe," he cried, "all will be well after all. I have had a bring the whole Persian army in sight. But the King and his most encouraging dream." satraps knew how formidable the Greeks really were. As long as they had a chance of succeeding by fraud, they would not use "What was it?" asked Callias. force. "I dreamt," returned the other, "that I was at home and that Fraud was immediately attempted. Ariaeus, who by this there was a great storm of thunder and lightning and that the time had made his peace with the King, rode up to within a short lightning struck the house and that it blazed up all over." distance of the camp, and said, "Let the Greeks send some one Callias stared. "But that does not sound very encouraging."

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 83 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Ah! but listen to what I have to tell you. When Proxenus very broad Bœotian. "Escape is impossible; we should better try asked me to come with him on this expedition, I applied to persuasion." Such was the burden of his speech. Socrates for his advice. 'Ask the god at Delphi,' he said. So I asked Xenophon turned on him fiercely. "Escape impossible! the god but not, as he meant me to do, whether I should go or not, And yet you know what the King did. First came a haughty but to what gods, if I went, I should sacrifice. Well, this has been command that we should give up our arms. When we refused, he a great trouble to me, and I look upon this dream as an answer. took to soft words and cajolery. He is afraid of us; but if we trust First—this is the encouragement—Zeus shows me a light in to persuasion we are lost." Then turning to the others, he cried, "Is darkness. The house all on a blaze, I take it, means that we are this man fit to be a captain? Make him a bearer of burdens. He is a surrounded with dangers." disgrace to the name of Greek." "May it turn out well," was all that Callias could find it in "Greek," cried an Arcadian captain, "he is no Bœotian, nor his heart to say. But if he was tempted to think meanly of his Greek at all. He is a Mysian slave. I see his ears are bored." And companion, he had soon reason to alter his opinion. the man was promptly turned out of camp. "Whether my dream means what I think or anything else," Not a moment was now lost. A representative body of Xenophon went on, "we must act. To fall into the hands of the officers from the whole army was promptly collected, and King means death, and death in the most shameful form. And yet Xenophon was asked to repeat what he had said to the smaller no one stirs hand or foot to avoid it; we lie quiet, as though it were gathering. The meeting ended in the election of five generals to time to take our rest. I shall go and talk to my comrades about it." replace those who had been murdered. Chirisophus, a Spartan, The first thing was to call together his own particular made the sixth, having held the office before. friends, the officers of Proxenus' division. He found them as The day was now beginning to dawn. It was scarcely light wakeful as himself. when the whole army assembled in obedience to a hasty summons "Friends," he said, "we must get out of the King's clutches. which had been sent through the camp. You know what he did to his own brother. The man was dead; but Chirisophus opened the proceedings. "We have fared ill, he must nail his body to a cross. What will he do, think you, to us? fellow soldiers," he said, "in that we have been robbed of so many No; we must get out of his reach. But how? Not by making terms officers and have been deserted by our allies. Still we must not with him. That only gives him time to hem us in more and more give in. If we cannot conquer, at least we can die gloriously. completely. No; we must fight him; and we, who are more Anyhow we must not fall alive into the hands of the King." enduring and brave than our enemies, have a right to hope that we shall fight to good purpose. And surely the gods will help us After an address by another general, Xenophon stood up. rather than them. For are they not faithless and forsworn? He had dressed himself in his best apparel. "Fine clothes will suit victory best," he said to himself, "and if I die, let me at least die "But, if we are to fight, we must have leaders. Let us like a gentleman." choose them then. As for me, I will follow another, or, if you will have it so, I will lead myself. Young I am, but I am at least of an "Gentlemen," he said, "if we were going to treat with the age to take care of myself." barbarians, then, knowing how faithless they are, we might well despair; but if we mean, taking our good swords in our hands, to Then there was a loud cry—"Xenophon for general!" Only punish them for what they have done, and to secure our own one voice was raised in protest, that of a captain, who spoke in safety, then we may hope for the best." Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 84 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

At this point, a soldier sneezed. A sneeze was a lucky the youngest of the generals, the rear. Practically these two omen, and by a common impulse all the soldiers bowed their divided the command between them. heads. Xenophon seized the opportunity. The first experience of an encounter with the enemy was "I spoke of safety, gentlemen, and as I was speaking, Zeus not reassuring; in fact it was almost disastrous. Early in the first the Savior, sent us an omen of good fortune. Let us therefore vow day's march, one Mithridates, a personage well known to the to him a thank-offering for deliverance, if we ever reach our Greeks, for he had been high in Cyrus' confidence, rode up with a native country. This let us do as an army; and besides, let couple of hundred horsemen and twice as many stingers and everyone vow to offer according to his ability in return for his bowmen. He had a look of coming as a friend; indeed, earlier in own safe arrival." that day he had come with what purported to be a conciliatory These propositions were unanimously accepted, and the message from Tissaphernes. But on arriving within a moderate hymn of battle was solemnly sung by the whole army. distance of the Greeks he halted, and the next moment there was a shower of bullets and arrows from the slings and bows. The "Now," said the speaker, "we have set ourselves right with Greeks were helpless. They suffered severely, but could do the gods, who will doubtless reward our piety, while they will nothing to the enemy in return. The Cretan archers had a shorter punish these perjurers and traitors who seek to destroy us." range than that of the Persian bows, and the javelin could not, of Then, after appealing to the glorious memories of the peat, course, come anywhere near the slingers. At last Xenophon gave when the Greeks, fighting against overwhelming odds, had once the order to charge. Charge the men did, heavy-armed and light- and again turned back the tide of Persian invasion, he addressed armed alike. Possibly it was better than standing still to be shot at. himself to deal with the circumstances of the situation. "Our allies But they did not contrive to catch a single man. As foot soldiers have deserted us; but we shall fight better without such cowards. they were fairly outpaced; and they had no cavalry. Only three We have no cavalry; but battles are won by the sword; our foes miles were accomplished that day, and the army reached the will have the better only in being able to run away more quickly. villages in which they were to bivouac, in a state of great No market will be given us; but it is better to take our food than to despondency. Unless such attacks could be resisted with better buy it. If rivers bar our way, we have only to cross them higher success, the fate of the army was sealed. Xenophon was severely up. Verily, I believe that not only can we get away, but that if the blamed by his colleagues for his action in charging. He frankly King saw us preparing to settle here, he would be glad to send us acknowledged his fault. "I could not stand still," he said, "and see away in coaches and four, so terribly afraid is he of us. the men falling round me without striking a blow, but the charge did no good. We caught none of them, and we did not find it easy "But how shall we go? Let us burn our tents and all to get back. Thanks to the gods, there were not very many of superfluous baggage. The baggage too often commands the army. them; if they had come on in force, we must have been cut to That is the first thing to do. Our arms are our chief possession. If pieces." we use them aright, everything in the country is ours. Let us march in a hollow square, with the baggage animals and the camp After a short silence, he addressed his colleagues again. followers in the middle. And let us settle at once who is to "We are at a great disadvantage. Our Cretans cannot shoot so far command each section of the army." as their Persian archers; and our hand throwers are useless against the slingers. As for the foot soldiers, no man, however fleet of All this was accepted without demur. Chirisophus was foot, can overtake another who has a bowshot's start of him, appointed to command the van. Xenophon, with a colleague, as specially as we cannot push the pursuit far from the main body. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 85 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

The simple truth is that we must have slingers and horsemen of our own. I know that there are Rhodians in the army who can CHAPTER XXIII sling leaden bullets to a much greater distance than these Persian slings can reach. I propose, first, that we find out who among them have slings of their own; these we will buy at the proper THE DIARY value; if any know how to plait some more, we will pay them the proper price for doing it; the slings thus obtained, we shall soon October 27—Our new corps have covered themselves with get a corps of slingers to use them. Give them some advantage and glory to-day. About noon Tissaphernes himself appeared with a they will enroll themselves fast enough. Now for the cavalry. We large force of cavalry. He had his own regiments with him; among have some horses I know. There are some in the rear guard with the others we recognized some of Cyrus' Persian troops. They me; there are others that belonged to Clearchus; a good many have want, I suppose, to make the King forget their rebellion. The been taken from the enemy, and are being used as baggage satrap did not wish to come to close quarters; but he found after animals. Let us take the pick of these and equip them for the use all that the quarters were closer than he liked. He was well within of cavalry; we shall soon have some very capable horsemen at our range; and as his men were posted in great masses every arrow service." and every bullet told. It would, in fact, have been impossible to miss, with such a mark to aim at. As for the Persian archers they The idea was promptly carried out. That very night a did no damage at all. But we found their arrows very useful. Our couple of hundred slingers were enrolled, and the next day, which men are now well-equipped, for we discovered an abundant store was spent without any attempt to advance, fifty horsemen passed of bow-strings and lead for the sling bullets in the villages. muster, fairly well-mounted and duly furnished with buff jackets and cuirasses. This was only the first of many instances in which NOVEMBER 3.—Things have not been going so well to- Xenophon showed the fertility and readiness of device which did day. The barbarians occupied a post of vantage on our route and so much to save the army. showered down darts, stones, and arrows upon us as we passed. Our light-armed were easily driven in. When the heavy-armed The very next day the new forces were brought into action tried to scale the height, they found the climbing very hard work, with the happiest results. Mithridates came up again with his and of course the enemy were gone by the time that they reached archers and slingers, but encountered a reception on which he had the top. Three times this was done, and I was never more pleased not calculated. The cavalry made a brilliant charge, cutting down in my life than when at last we got to the end of our day's march. a number of the infantry and taking prisoners some seventeen Eight surgeons are busy attending to the wounded, of whom there horsemen. At the end of the day's march, the army reached the is a terrible number. We are going to stop here three days, Tigris. Fourteen weeks of hard and perilous marching lay before Xenophon tells me. Meanwhile we are in a land of plenty. There them; but they were fairly well-equipped for the work. I shall take are granaries full of wheat, and cellars of wine, and barley enough an account of some of the principal incidents of the journey from to supply our horses if we had fifty times as many. Hereafter we a diary kept by Callias, who acted throughout as aid-de-camp to are to follow a new plan. As soon as we are attacked, we halt. To Xenophon. march and fight at the same time puts us at a disadvantage. And we are to try to get as far in advance as possible. NOVEMBER 9.—We had our three days' rest, and then three days' quick marching. To-day, however, there has been a Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 86 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

smart brush with the enemy. They had occupied a ridge soldier ever came back! First we considered about crossing the commanding our route, which just then descended from the hills river. A Rhodian had a grand plan, he said, for taking the army into the plain. Chirisophus sent for Xenonphon to bring his light- across. He would sell it for a talent. I must confess, by the way, armed to the front. This, of course, was a serious thing to do, as that I am more and more disgusted by the manner in which Tissaphernes was not far from our rear. Xenophon accordingly everything is for sale. Citizen soldiers think of the common good, galloped to the front to confer with his colleague. "Certainly," he though, it must be confessed, they are not so sturdy in action as said, when he saw how the enemy was posted, "these fellows must these fellows; mercenaries think only of the private purse. be dislodged, but we can't uncover our rear. You must give me However, the Rhodian never got his talent. His plan was clever some troops, and I will do my best." Just at that moment he caught enough, making floats of skins, but impracticable, seeing that the sight of a height rising above us just on our right—he has a true enemy occupied the other shore in force. Nothing, then, remained general's eye—and saw that it gave an approach to the enemy's for it but to take to the mountains. We must do our best to fight position. "That is the place for us to take," he cried. "If we get our way through them, if the mountaineers won't be friends. This that, the barbarians can't stay where they are." As soon as the done, we shall find ourselves in Armenia; once there, we shall be troops were told off for service, we started; and lo! as soon as we able to go anywhere we please. were off, the barbarians seeing what we were after started too. It NOVEMBER 14.—We have had three awful days. The was a race who should get there first. Xenophon rode beside the Carduchians—so they call the barbarians—are as hostile and as men, and urged them on. "Now for it, brave sirs!" he cried. "'Tis fierce as they can be. It seems unreasonable, for they must hate for Hellas! 'Tis for wives and children! Win the race, and you will the Great King as much as we do. Still they will not listen to our march on in peace! Now for it!" The men did their best, but of overtures for friendly intercourse, but keep up an incessant attack. course it was hard work. I never had harder in my life. At last a To-day there was very near being a positive disaster. We in the grumbling fellow in the ranks growled out, "We are not on equal rear guard had, of course, the worst of it. Generally when we find terms, Xenophon. You are on horseback, and I have got to carry our work particularly hard we pass on the word to the van, and my shield." In a moment Xenophon was off his horse. He they slacken their pace; otherwise we should get divided from the snatched the fellow's shield from him, and marched on with the main army. To-day no attention was paid to our messages; rest. That was hard work indeed, for he had his horseman's cuirass Chirisophus did nothing but send back word that we must hurry on; still he kept up. Then the men fell on the grumbler. They on. Consequently our march became something very like a rout, abused him, pelted him, and cuffed him, till he was glad enough to and we lost two of our best men. At the first halt Xenophon rode take his shield again. Then Xenophon remounted, and rode on as to the front. before as far as the horse could go. Then he left him tethered to a tree, and went on foot. In the end we won the race; and the "Why this hurry?" he asked. "It has cost us two men, and barbarians left the way clear. we had to leave their bodies behind." "See you that?" said Chirisophus, and he pointed to a height straight before us, which NOVEMBER 10.—We had a great disappointment to-day. was strongly held by the enemy. "I wanted to get there first, for The route lay either across a river which was too deep to ford— the guide says that there is no other way." "Says he so?" said we tried it with our spears, and could find no bottom—or through Xenophon. "Let us hear what my fellows have to say. I laid an a mountainous region inhabited by a set of fierce savages whom ambush, you must know, and caught two barbarians. They would the King has never been able to subdue. He once sent an army of a be useful, I thought, as guides!" The two were brought up and hundred thousand men among them, they say, and not a single questioned. "Is there any other way than what we see?" "No," said Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 87 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

the first. Try all we could, he would make no other answer. At last plenty hereabouts that positively the people keep it in great Chirisophus had him killed. cisterns. "Now," he said, turning to the other, "can you tell us NOVEMBER 19.—We have crossed the Centrites, which is anything more?" "O yes," said the man, "there is another way, and the Eastern branch of the Tigris. one that horses can pass over. But the other would not say NOVEMBER 30.—The march through Armenia has been on anything about it, because he had kinsfolk living near it, and was the whole as pleasant as we had hoped. The Lieutenant Governor, afraid that you would do them an injury. "Poor fellow! I was sorry one Tiribazus, made an agreement with our generals that he would for him, when I knew how loyal he had been. But I don't know do us no harm, if we would not burn the houses, but content what else could have been done. The second man told us that there ourselves with taking such provisions as we wanted. Four days was a height which we must occupy if we would make the new ago, we had a heavy fall of snow, and the general thought it as route practicable. Two thousand men have set off to get hold of it. well to billet out the army in the villages, which are very thick in If they fail, we shall be in terrible straits. these parts. There was no enemy in sight, and, as we had no tents, NOVEMBER 16.—The army is safe for the present, but bivouacking in the open would be neither pleasant nor safe. We some—I among the number—have had a very narrow escape. The all enjoyed it vastly, particularly as the villages were full of good two thousand found their work very much harder than at first they things, oxen, and sheep, and wine, some of the very best I ever thought it was going to be. They took the first height without any tasted, and raisins, and vegetables of all kinds. But after the first difficulty, and fancied they had done all that was wanted. But night we had an alarm. A great army was reported in sight; and there were no less than three heights beyond, and each of these certainly there were watch fires in every direction. The generals had to be stormed. My part in the business was this. Xenophon thereupon determined to bring the army together again, and to thought that the second of the four heights—there were four in bivouac on the plain. The weather too, promised to be fine. But in all—ought to be held permanently till our army had passed. Some the night there was another heavy snow fall, so heavy that it two hundred men were told off for this duty, and I volunteered to covered us all up. It was not uncomfortable lying there under the be one of them. All of a sudden we found ourselves attacked by a snow; in fact, it felt quite warm; but of course it was not safe. I whole swarm of mountaineers. They outnumbered us by at least have heard of people going to sleep under such circumstances and ten to one. It was a case for running, for there was really no not waking up again. Anyhow Xenophon set the example of position that we could hold. But running was no easy matter. Our getting up, and setting to work splitting wood. Before long we only chance was to climb down a very steep mountain side to the were all busy. But there was no more bivouacking in the open. We pass below, where the last columns of the van guard were just went to the villages again; and some foolish fellows who had making their way. Some of the men did not like to try it; and, wantonly set their houses on fire were now punished for their indeed, it did look desperately dangerous. While they were folly. hesitating, the barbarians were upon them. As for myself, I felt DECEMBER 8.—The weather becomes colder and colder, that I would sooner break my neck than fall into the enemy's and is our worst enemy now. The other day there was a cutting hands, so I started off at full pace, and was safe. Nor do I think north wind, which drifted the snow till it was more than six feet that any who followed my example were seriously hurt, though deep in places. Xenophon, whose faith and piety are admirable, some got very nasty falls. Those who stayed behind were killed to suggested a sacrifice to the north wind. This was made; and a man. Just now we are in comfortable quarters. Wine is in such certainly the weather did begin to abate shortly afterwards. The

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 88 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

doubters say that the wind always does go down after a time. stores of barley, and wheat, and green stuff of all kinds. The drink These are matters on which I do not pretend to judge; but I do see was barley wine, which they keep in great bowls. You have to that Xenophon's pious belief makes him very cheerful and suck it up by a reed. It is very strong. As to the flavor I feel a little courageous. The day before yesterday many of our men were doubtful. To-day Xenophon has been taking the headman, whom afflicted, what with the long march and what with the cold, with a he had to sup with him last night, all round the camp, by which I sort of ravenous hunger. They fell down, and either would not, or mean the villages, for the men are encamped in them. At could not, move a step forward. At first we did not know what Chirisophus' quarters there was a strange sight. The men were was the matter with them; but then some one who had campaigned feasting with wisps of hay round their heads, for lack of flowers; before in cold countries suggested the real cause. When we gave and Armenian boys, in the costume of their country, were waiting them a little food we found that they recovered. Yesterday we on them. Everything of course had to be explained by signs, for nearly lost a number of men who were simply overpowered with neither soldiers nor waiters knew a word of each other's language. the cold. The enemy was close behind, and we tried to raise the Xenophon gave the head man his old charger, which indeed was poor fellows up; but they would not stir. "Kill us," they said, "but pretty well worn out with marching, and took for himself and his leave us alone." They were simply stupid with cold. All that could officers a number of young horses which were going to be sent, be done was to frighten the enemy away. On the barbarians came, we were told, as part of the King's tribute. till the rear guard, who were lying in ambush, dashed out upon DECEMBER 27.—Nothing of much moment has happened, them, and at the same time the sick men shouted as loud as they except it be a quarrel, the first that has taken place—and I could, and rattled their spears against their shields. The enemy devoutly hope the last—between our generals. After resting in the fled in a hurry, and we saw and heard no more of them. But what villages for a week, we started again, taking the head man with us would have happened if they had persisted, is more than I can say. as a guide. If he did this duty properly, he was to be allowed to The whole army was demoralized with the cold. The men lay depart and to take his son with him, for he had a young son in his down as they could with their cloaks round them. There was not a company. All the rest of his family were safe in his own village single guard placed anywhere. As it was, no harm was done; and with a very handsome lot of presents. At the end of the third day in the afternoon to-day the sick men, were brought safe into good Chirisophus got into a great rage because the head man had not quarters. We are now in excellent quarters, with all that we could taken them to any village. The man declared that there was no wish to eat and drink. village near. But Chirisophus would not listen, and struck the DECEMBER 9.—Just as I had finished my entries yesterday man. The next night he ran away. Xenophon was very angry. an Athenian with whom I have struck up a great friendship asked "You ought not to have struck him," he said; "but having struck me to come with him on an expedition. His name is Polycrates, him, you certainly ought to have kept a doubly strict guard on and he is the captain of a company. Let us raid that village," he him." said, "before the people have time to get away." So we did, and DECEMBER 30.—We have crossed the river Phasis, and we had a fine catch. We laid hands on the villagers and their head got through what is, I hope, our last difficult pass. I have not time man. With the head man was his daughter who had been married to write about it; but I must record an amusing little controversy only eight days before. Her husband was out hare-hunting, and so that took place between our two generals. It shows anyhow that escaped. The village was a curious place. All the houses were they have made up their quarrel. Xenophon had been insisting that underground; beasts and men lived there together, the beasts they must do as much as they could by craft, and had been entering by a sloping way, the men by a ladder. There were great speaking of stealing somewhere at night, stealing a march, and so Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 89 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

forth. Then he went on, "But why do I talk about stealing in your these not more than two or three are armed. As for the distance presence Chirisophus, for you Spartans are experts in the art. You that we have to get across, it cannot be more than one hundred and practice it I am told, from your youth up. It is honorable among fifty yards; and two-thirds of this are covered at intervals by great you to take anything except what the law forbids. But to pine trees. As long as we are among these, stones cannot hurt us. encourage you and to make you master thieves you get a whipping These past, there are only fifty yards more to be crossed." "Very if you are found out. I must not therefore presume to instruct you good," said Chirisophus, "but the moment we get near, the fire of about stealing." "Nay," replied the other, "you have the best stones begins again." "All the better," said Xenophon, "the hotter possible right to do it.—You Athenians, I am told, are their fire, the quicker the enemy will use up their ammunition. wonderfully clever hands at stealing the public money and the However, let us begin by picking out the place where the run best men among you do it the most. No; we Spartans must yield to across the open space will be shortest." you." In the end the pass was carried without much loss. First we occupied the trees. I had the luck, by special favor JANUARY 3.—For several days we have been on very of Xenophon, to be among them. We were only seventy, for no short commons. The Taochi, through whose country we are more could find proper shelter behind the pines. Then one of us passing, have collected all their possessions, alive and dead, into came forward a yard or two from under cover of the pines. No strong places. At last we felt that something had to be done, for sooner did the Taochi see him than they sent down a vast quantity we were simply starving. Accordingly, when we came about noon of stones. Before they reached him he was under cover again. This to-day to one of these strongholds which happened to lie directly he did several times; and every time a wagon-load of rocks, at the on our route, Chirisophus made up his mind to take it. It could be very least, must have been whizzing and whistling down the seen to be full of flocks and herds besides a mixed crowd of men, slope. Before long, however, the ammunition gave signs of not women and children. First one regiment went up against it; then a holding out. As soon as Agasias, an Arcadian from Lake second; then a third. They could do nothing with it; the slingers Stymphalus, perceived this, he ran forward at full speed. The man and archers, which were the only troops we could use, made no who had been amusing himself with the rocks, caught hold of his impression at all. Just then Xenophon came up with the rear shield as he ran by. Then two other men started. Altogether it was guard, I being close behind him. "You have come just in the nick a splendid race, and curiously enough not another stone was of time my friend," said Chirisophus, "we must take this place or thrown. Then the rest of us followed. But when I saw the horrible starve." "But what," Xenophon asked, "is to hinder our simply thing that ensued, I was inclined to be sorry that I had anything to walking in?" Chirisophus answered, "You see that one narrow do with it. The women threw their children over the cliff, and then path, that is the only way of approaching the place. Whenever threw themselves after them, and the men did the same. I caught anyone attempts to go by it, these fellows roll down huge masses hold of one man to stop him, but he wiggled out of my grasp, and of rock from the crag up there," and he pointed to a cliff that threw himself over the top. It was well for me that he did so or overhung the plain. "See what has happened to some of my poor else I might have fared as Aeneas of Stymphalus did. He saw a fellows who were unlucky enough to get in the way!" And sure man very finely dressed just about to throw himself over, and tried enough there was one man with one leg broken and another with to hold him. The man did not try to get away, but clasped Aeneas both, and a third with his ribs crushed in. "But," said my own tightly in his arms. The next moment both had fallen headlong general, "when these fellows have expended their ammunition— over the edge. Of course they were both killed. We took very few and they can't have a perpetual supply of it—there will be nothing prisoners, but flocks and herds as many as we wanted and more. else to hinder our going in. I can only see a very few men, and of Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 90 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

JANUARY 26.—The marching has been easy enough on the the sunshine upon it. What a scene it was! We all fell to wholes though we have met with the bravest enemies that we have embracing one another; rank was forgotten; generals, officers, and yet come across, the Chalybes, they are called. They did not hang common men were friends. Indeed the gods could not have given on our rear, taking care never to fight unless they had some to our eyes a more delightful sight. Presently the soldiers fell to vantage ground, but met us fairly face to face. They were not as erecting a great cairn of stones. On this they put skins and staves well armed as we. Indeed, they had no armor on the body except and wicker shields that we had taken from the enemy. Of course cuirasses of linen. Their chief weapon was a very long and clumsy the guide had a very handsome present from the common store, a spear. Nevertheless they made a good fight of it; and if they did purse, a silver bowl, a Persian dress, and ten gold pieces. Then he kill a man they cut his head off directly with a short sabre that begged some rings, and got not a few. The soldiers were ready to they carried at their waists. We got nothing but hard knocks here. give him anything. All the property of the country was stored away in strongholds; FEBRUARY 2.—We have passed safely through another still what we got from the Taochi has lasted us up to this time, and country. The people were drawn out in order of battle when the will supply us for some days to come. The country of the luckiest thing happened, saving, I doubt not, many lives. One of Chalybes passed, we came to the city, the first, by the way, that the men came up to Xenophon and, said: "I think I know the we have seen. It seemed very populous and rich, and its governor language these people talk. I verily believe that it is my own." was extremely civil. He gave us a guide who told us the best news And so it turned out to be. The man had been a slave in Athens. that we had heard for a long time. "Within five days you shall see He explained to them that we did not wish to do them any harm, the sea," he said. "If I fail, my life shall be the forfeit." According but simply wanted to get back to our own country. Since then it to this we ought to see it to-morrow. has been peaceful. The people—Macrones they call themselves— JANUARY 27.—We have seen it! I was in the van guard as have been as helpful as possible, making roads for us, and usual. We had our hands full, for the people of the, country were supplying us with as good food as they possessed. up in arms against us. Our friend, the guide, had been very urgent FEBRUARY 7.—Yesterday I really thought that after all with us to ravage and burn the country; and the men had not been that I had gone through, I was going to die of eating a mouthful of backward in following his advice. So now there was a whole honey. We found a great store of this in one of the Colchian swarm of enemies hanging on our heels, and we of the rear guard villages that we came to, and of course ate it freely. It was had to keep them in check. All of a sudden we heard a tremendous poisonous, at least to persons not used to it. I know that I was uproar. "There is another attack on the van," cried Xenophon, desperately ill and so were many of my comrades. Happily no one "this looks serious." But the shouting grew louder and nearer. As died. We reach Trapezus to-morrow. We are in Greece again. soon as a company came up, it began racing towards the shouters, Thanks be to Zeus and all the gods! and then took to shouting itself. Xenophon mounted his horse to see for himself what had happened. He took the cavalry with him in case anything should have happened, and I made the best of my way after them. Presently we could distinguish the words. The men were shouting, The sea! The sea! Then everybody started running, rear guard and all; even the very baggage horses were taken with it and came galloping up. And, sure enough, there it was, right before our eyes, a glimpse of blue in the distance with Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 91 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

off, and he was glad to make a slight return for many little CHAPTER XXIV services that he had received, and acts of kindness and good fellowship that had been done for him on the march. As for hospitality, he begged to be allowed to postpone his answer till he A THANKSGIVING could consult his general. "I don't like to leave you, sir," he said when he broached The worst severity of the winter was over when the army the subject to Xenophon after their evening meal. "Why should I reached Trapezus. The days were longer, for it was already have the comforts of a house, lie soft, and feed well, while you are halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, and sleeping on the ground, and getting or not getting a meal, as good though the nights were still bitterly cold, the sun was daily gaining luck or bad luck will have it ? power. Sometimes a breeze from the west gave to the air quite a feeling of spring. Still Callias was very thankful to find quarters in "My dear fellow," replied Xenophon, "there is no reason the city. He discovered but scarcely with surprise, that as soon as why you should not take the good the gods provide you. You are he returned within the circle of Greek influence, the credentials not one of us; you never have been. You came as a volunteer, and furnished him by Hippocles made life much smoother for him. a volunteer you have remained. You are perfectly free to do as Trapezus was the very farthest outpost of civilization; it was at you please. Besides, if you want anything more to satisfy you, you least nine hundred miles from Athens, yet the name of Hippocles are attached to my command, and I formally give you leave." seemed as well known and his credit as good as if it had been the Callias, accordingly, took up his quarters in the merchant's Piraeus itself. As soon as permission could be obtained to enter house. Never was guest more handsomely treated. Demochores the town—for the people of Trapezus, though kind and even and his family were never wearied of his adventures, a story generous to the new arrivals, kept their gates jealously shut— which has indeed interested the world ever since, and which to Callias made his way to the house of a citizen who was, he was these Greeks of Trapezus had a meaning which it has lost for us. told, the principal merchant in the place. Nothing could have been Living as they did on the farthest boundaries of the Greater warmer than the welcome which he received, when he produced Greece, the Greece of the colonies, they were keenly alive to all the slip of parchment to which Hippocles had affixed his seal and that could be known about the barbarian world with which they signature. were brought in constant contact. The young Athenian, indeed, "All I have is at your disposal," cried Demochares; this held a sort of levee which was thronged day after day with visitors was the name of the Trapezuntine merchant. "I cannot do too young and old. All that he had to tell them about the Great King, much for any friend of Hippocles. You will, of course, take up on whose dominions they were in some sort trespassers, and about your quarters with me; and any advance that you may want,— the unknown tribes who dwelt between the sea and the Persian unless," he added with a smile, "you have learnt extravagance capital, was eagerly listened to. Pleasant as his sojourn was to among the Persians, for we are not very rich here in Trapezus— himself, it was not without some advantage to his old comrades. any advance within reason you have only to ask for." His host was an important person in Trapezus, holding indeed the chief magistracy for the year, and he had much to do with the The young Athenian ventured to borrow fifty gold pieces, liberal present of oxen, corn, and wine which the town voted to astonishing his new friend by the moderation of his demand. He the army. knew that some of his comrades, mercenaries who had not received an obol of pay for several months, must be very badly Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 92 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

A month passed in a sufficiently pleasant way. Meanwhile conceded a certain right of precedence on all such occasions as the army was preparing to offer a solemn thanksgiving for the safe these. Dracontius, too, was a man of superior rank to his completion of the most perilous part of its journey. The vows comrades. He belonged to one of the two royal houses of Sparta, made at the moment of its greatest danger were now to be paid, but had been banished from his country in consequence of an and paid, after the usual Greek fashion, in a way that would unlucky accident. In one of the rough sports which the Spartan combine religion and festivity. There was to be a sacrifice; the lads were accustomed to practice, sports which were commonly a sacrifice was to be followed by a feast, and the feast again by a more or less close mimicry of war, a blow of his dagger, dealt celebration which was, of course, in a great measure an without evil intention but with a criminal carelessness, had been entertainment, but was also, in a way, a function of worship. fatal to a companion. Hence, from boyhood, he had been an exile; Wrestlers, boxers, and runners not only amused the spectators and cut off from the more honorable career to which he might have contended for glory and prizes, but were also supposed in some looked forward in the service of his country, he had been content way to be doing honor to the gods. to enlist as a mercenary. The sacrifice and the feast it is not necessary to describe. Dracontius, accordingly, was made president of the games. Necessarily there was nothing very splendid or costly about them. The skins of the sacrificed animals were presented to him, as his The purses of the soldiers were empty, though they had a good fee, and he was asked to lead the way to the race course where the deal of property, chiefly in the way of prisoners whom they had contests were to be held. captured on the way, and whom they would sell in the slave "Race course!" cried the Spartan, with the brusquerie markets as the opportunity might come. which it was the fashion of his country to use, "Race course! What Trapezus, however, and the friendly Colchian tribes in the more do you want than what we have here?" neighborhood furnished a fair supply of sheep and oxen serve as A murmur of astonishment ran through the army. Indeed victims, and a sufficient quantity of bread, wine, dried fruit and there could have been nothing less like a race course than the olive oil, this last being a luxury which the Greeks had greatly ground on which they were standing. It was the slope of a hill, a missed during their march, and which they highly appreciated. A slope that sometimes became almost precipitous. Most of it was few of the officers, the pious Xenophon among them, went to the covered with brushwood and heather. Grass there was none, expense of gilding the horns of the beasts which were their special except here and there where it covered with a treacherously offerings; but for the most part the arrangements were of a plain smooth surface some dangerous quagmire. Here and there, the and frugal kind. limestone rock cropped up with jagged points. The games had at least the merit of affording a vast "But where shall we wrestle?" asked Timagenes, an amount of entertainment to a huge multitude of spectators. They Arcadian athlete, who had won the prize for wrestling two or three were celebrated, it may be easily understood, under considerable years before at the Lithurian games, and who naturally considered difficulties, for Trapezus did not possess any regular race course, himself as an authority on the subject. and the only rings for wrestling and boxing were within the walls, and therefore not available on this occasion. By common consent "Here of course," was the president's reply. the management of the affair was handed over to a certain "But how can a man wrestle on ground so hard and so Dracontius. He was a Spartan, and to the Spartans, who had been rough?" asked the Arcadian, who had no idea of practicing his art undisputed lords of Greece since the fall of Athens, had been except in a regular ring. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 93 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Well enough," said Dracontius, "but those who are becoming a competitor at Olympia; but various causes had thrown will get worse knocks." hindered him from carrying out his purpose, and, of course, he The wrestler's face fell and he walked off amid a general was now wholly out of practice. He was sitting quietly among the laugh. His comrades fancied, not without reason, that he was a spectators when he felt a hand upon his shoulder and looking up, great deal too careful of his person. saw his general standing by. But if the ground, broken with rocks and overgrown with "Stand up for the honor of Athens," said Xenophon, "don't wood was not suited to scientific wrestling, it certainly helped to let the men of the Island carry everything before them." make some of the other sports more than usually amusing. The "But I am not in training," said Callias. first contest was a mile race for boys. Most of the competitors "You are in as good training, I fancy," replied the general, were lads who had been taken prisoners on the march, but a few "as are any of these; better I should say, to judge from the way in Colchians entered for the prize, as did also two or three boys of which they have been eating and drinking since the retreat was Trapezus, who had the reputation of being particularly fleet of ended. Besides, it is only the boxers who absolutely require foot. But the natives of the plain, still more the inhabitants of the anything very severe in that way. And you have youth." town, found themselves entirely outpaced on this novel race course by the young mountaineers. A Carduchian came in first, Callias still made objections, but yielded when his general and was presented with his liberty, his master being compensated made the matter a personal favor. out of the prize fund which had been subscribed by the army. As The competitors were six in number, the winner of the foot soon as he understood that he was free, he set out at full speed in race, the tall Arcadian and his diminutive rival from Aetolia, two the direction of his home. A true mountaineer, he sickened for his Achaeans, and Callias. native hills, and in the hope of seeing them again was ready to brave alone the perils which an army had scarcely survived. The first contest was leaping at the bar. Here the Arcadian's long legs served him well. He was a singularly A foot race for men followed, but the distance to be ungainly fellow, and threw himself over the bar, if I may be traversed was, according to the common custom of the great allowed the expression, in a lump. Every time the bar was raised, games, only two hundred yards. There were as many as sixty he managed just to clear it, though the spectators could not competitors; but curiously enough, they were to a man Cretans. understand how his clumsy legs, which seemed sprawling Another foot race, this time for men in heavy armor, was next run. everywhere, managed to avoid touching it. Still they did manage The president had a Spartan's admiration for all exercises that had it, and when he had cleared four cubits short of a palm, which may a real bearing on military training, and the race of the heavy be translated into the English measure of five feet nine inches, his armed was unquestionably one of these. It was won by a gigantic rivals had to own themselves beaten. Callias, who came second, Arcadian, an Aetolian whose diminutive stature made a curious declared that he had been balked by the infamous playing of the contrast to his competitor coming in close behind him. flute player, whose music according to the custom followed at Next came the great event of the day, the "Contest of the Olympia„ accompanied the jumping. "The wretch," he declared to Five Exercises," or "Pentathlon." The five were leaping, wrestling, the friends who condoled with him on the loss of what they had running, quoit-throwing, and javelin-throwing. The competitor put down to him for a certainty, "the wretch played a false note who won most successes had the prize adjudged to him.* Callias just as I was at my last trial. If I had not heard him do the same at had been trained for some time at home with the intention of Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 94 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

least half a dozen times before, I should have said that he did it on and weight would make him, to say the least, a formidable purpose." opponent in the wrestling, he was a favorite for the prize. His If chance or fraud had been against him in this trial, in the Arcadian countrymen, who formed, as has been said, a large next he was decidedly favored by fortune. This was the foot race. proportion of the army, were in high hope, and staked sums that The course was, as usual, round a post fixed about a hundred were far beyond their means on his success. yards from the starting point, and home again. Whenever a turn The quoit-throwing was followed by hurling the javelin at has to be made, a certain advantage falls to the competitor who a mark. Here the Arcadian was hopelessly distanced, for here skill has the inner place, and when, as in this case, the distance is short, was as much wanted as strength had been in the preceding trial. the advantage is considerable. The places were determined by lot. He threw the javelin indeed with prodigious force, but threw it The innermost fell to the Arcadian; Callias came next to him; wholly wide of the mark. Indeed, when he was performing, the fortunately for him, his most dangerous competitor, the Cretan near neighborhood of the mark would have been the safest place who had won the foot race, had the outermost, i.e., the worst to stand. The spectators were more than once in danger of their station. The Arcadian jumped away with a lead, and for fifty yards lives, so at random and at the same time so vigorous were his managed, thanks to the long strides which his long legs enabled strokes. The first mark was a post rudely fashioned into the figure him to take, to keep in front; but the effort was soon spent; by the of a man. To hit the head was the best aim that could be made; to time that the turning point was reached, Callias had gained enough hit a space marked out upon the body and roughly representing the upon him to attempt the dangerous maneuver of taking his ground. heart was the neat; the third in merit was a blow that fell on some If it had not been for this, he must have been beaten, for the fleet- other part of the body. The legs counted for nothing. Callias and footed Cretan, weighted though he was by his disadvantageous the Cretan scored precisely the same. The Athenian hit the head place, ran a dead heat with him. twice, scoring six for the two blows. The third time his javelin In the quoit-throwing, the Arcadian's strength and stature missed altogether. The Cretan, on the other hand, in his three brought him to the front again. With us quoit-playing is a trial of strokes hit the third, second, and the first places successively, skill as well as of strength. The quoit is thrown at a mark, and the scoring for them one, two, and three respectively. Further trials of player who contrives to go nearest to this mark, without touching skill were now given. A wand about three fingers wide was set up it (for to touch it commonly ends in disaster) wins. At the, same at a distance of twelve yards. The Cretan's javelin pierced it, time the throw does not count unless the quoit either sticks into making it, as may be supposed, an exceedingly difficult thing for a the ground or lies flat upon it with the right side uppermost. In the rival to equal, much more to surpass the performance. But Callias was equal to the occasion. Amid tumultuous applause from the Greek game there were no requirements of this kind. The quoit was a huge mass of metal with notches by which it could be spectators, for his courtesy and carriage had made him a great conveniently grasped, or, sometimes, a hole in the middle through favorite, he hurled his javelin with such accuracy that he split that which a leather strap or wooden handle could be put. He who which was already sticking in the mark. Again the Cretan and he threw it farthest was the winner. Some little knack was required, were pronounced to have made a tie. as is indeed the case in every feat of strength, and, as has been The two Achaeans and the Aetolian did creditably, scoring said before, stature was the chief qualification. The Arcadian five each. As they had failed in four out of the five contests, the hurled the quoit, a mass of iron weighing ten pounds, to the vast prize was clearly out of their reach, and they stood out of the last distance of forty-two feet. None of his rivals came near him. As competition, the wrestling. he had now won two events out of three, and his gigantic height Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 95 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

And now came the last and deciding struggle. Here again less water than was usual in the mixture, and slightly confused his fortune decidedly favored the Athenian. The president, following brain by the potency of the draught. When he came forth to meet the rule always observed at Olympia, ordered three lots marked A, his antagonist, he had not only damaged his wind but had made B, and C, and representing respectively Callias, the Arcadian, and his footing somewhat unsteady. Three bouts, as before, were the Cretan, to be put into an urn. The two first drawn were to fought. The Arcadian first tried the simple tactics which had been contend in the first heat, the third was to have what is technically, successful with the Cretan. He did his best to lift the Athenian called a "bye." The "bye" fell to the lot of Callias, and with it, it from the ground, and Callias had all he could do to prevent it. But need hardly be said, the not inconsiderable advantage of coming his weight and his strength, which he made the most of by his fresh to contend with a rival who had undergone the fatigue of a coolness, stood him in good stead. After a fierce struggle both fell previous struggle. together, and fell in such a way that the president declared that The issue of the contest between the Arcadian and the neither had gained any advantage. Practically, however, the Cretan was not long in doubt. The latter was an agile fellow, who victory was decided in favor of Callias. The Arcadian's strength would have had a very good chance with "light-weights," to use was impaired, and he was so scant of breath that he could not use again a technical term, if the competitors had been so classed, as what was left to him. And he had little skill to fall back upon, indeed they are by the customs of the modern wrestling ring. But whereas his antagonist had been the favorite pupil of one of the against his gigantic opponent he had scarcely a chance. In the first best trainers in Athens. In the second bout Callias struck the bout the Arcadian lifted his antagonist clean from the ground, and Arcadian on the right foot with his own left; in the third he simply threw him down at full length without more ado. The second was reversed the device, striking the left with his right. In both he contrived to free himself when his opponent fell. Thus the fifth more equal. The Cretan struck his antagonist's left ankle so sharply with his foot that the giant fell, but he could not loose the contest ended for him in an unquestioned victory. other's hold, and fell also, scoring only the advantage of being the The prize of victory was an ox and a purse of twenty-five uppermost. If there had been a tie in the other two bouts this might gold pieces, for soldiers who fought for pay would not have have sufficed to give him the victory, or the president might have relished the barren honor of a wreath of wild olive with which the ordered a fresh trial. But the third bout was decisive. It was in fact Olympian judges were accustomed to reward the victors. Callias a repetition of the first, only, if possible, still more decisive. The won golden opinions from his comrades by the liberality with Cretan was again lifted from the ground, before he had the chance which he disposed of his gains. The ox he presented to the of practicing any of his devices, and again hurled at full length company to which he had been attached; the money he divided, in upon the ground. This time he was stunned, and carried insensible such proportion as seemed right, among the unsuccessful from the ground by his companions. competitors. A brief interval was now allowed. It was thought unfair One more contest remained, and it turned out to be the that the Arcadian should be called upon to engage a fresh most entertaining of them all. This was a horse race. The antagonist without some chance of resting himself. But what was competitors were to make their way from the hilltop to the shore meant for an advantage turned out to be exactly the contrary. The and back again. The headlong, break-neck speed at which they man was not particularly tired, but he was exceedingly thirsty, and galloped down, and the slow and painful effort by which they he had not learnt the habit of self-control. Regardless of the crawled back again, were witnessed with inextinguishable remonstrance of his companions, he indulged himself with a huge laughter by the assembled crowds. Xenophon himself took a part goblet of wine and water. So imprudent was he indeed that he put in this sport, and gained great favor not only by his condescension Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 96 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

but by his skillful riding. He did not win, indeed, for the animal which he rode was hopelessly inferior, but his performance did CHAPTER XXV not discredit the land which claimed by the bounty of the god of the sea to have been the birthplace of the horse. The piety of Xenophon always ready to show itself, did not fail to improve the BUSINESS AND PLEASURE occasion of his young friend's success. Its religious obligations discharged, for the games, as has "You have gained the prize," he said in a tone of the been already said, were regarded as a service of thanksgiving for deepest earnestness, "nor did you fail to deserve it. Prize it the deliverance, the army turned its attention to secular affairs. One more because it is manifest that the gods favor you. Youth and indispensable duty, one curiously characteristic, by the way, of the strength pass away, but piety you can cherish always, and Greek soldier's temper of mind, was to call the generals to cherishing piety, you have also the favor of the gods." account. For a Greek soldier, even when he was selling his sword to the highest bidder, never forgot that he was a citizen, and that as a citizen he had the right of satisfying himself that his superiors had done their duty with due care and with integrity. The Ten Thousand accordingly put aside for the time their military character, and resolved themselves into a civil assembly. Their generals were no longer the commanding officers to whom they owed an unhesitating obedience, but the magistrates who had just completed their term of office, and had now to render their accounts to those who had elected them. The meeting of the army, perhaps I should rather say the assembly, was held on the same ground which had served for a race course. One by one the officers were called to answer for themselves. With many, indeed, the proceeding was purely formal. The name was called, and the man stepped forward on a platform which had been erected where it could be best seen by the whole meeting. If no one appeared to make a complaint or to ask a question, the soldiers gave him a round of applause, if I may use the word of the noise made by clashing their spears against their shields; this was a verdict of acquittal and the officer retired with a bow. And this was what commonly happened. After all, the leaders had, on the whole, done their duty sufficiently well; there was proof of that in the simple fact that such a meeting was being held. But all did not escape so easily. If, indeed, only a few voices of dissatisfaction were heard, the matter was not pushed any further. When the second appeal was made by the malcontents,

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 97 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

they, seeing that they were not supported by their comrades, "It is true. Things were as bad as you say, or even worse." preferred to keep silence. The man would, in all probability, be "You hear," said Xenophon, turning to the assembly, "how their officer again and he would not be likely to think pleasantly we were situated, and indeed, seeing that you suffered these things of anyone who had accused him. But where, on the other hand, yourself, you are not likely to forget them. Verily, if in such a there was anything like an agreement of dissatisfied voices, the condition of things, I struck this man wantonly and without cause, complainants took courage to come forward, and the examination you might fairly count me more brutal than an ass. But say—" he was proceeded within earnest. One officer had had charge of some went on, addressing himself again to his accuser, "was there not a of the property of the army; there was a deficiency in his accounts cause for my beating you?" and he was fined twenty minas to make it good. Another was accused of carelessness in his duties as leader, and had to pay half "Yes, there was a cause," the fellow sullenly admitted. this sum. Then came the cause celebre, as it may be called, of the "Did I ask you for something, and strike you because you day, the trial of Xenophon himself. Xenophon was generally refused to give it?" popular with the army, as, indeed, he could scarcely fail to be, considering all that he had done for it; but he had enemies. The "No." mere fact of his being an Athenian made him an object of dislike "Did I demand payment for a debt, and lose my temper to some; others, as will be seen, he had been compelled to offend because the money was not forthcoming?" in the discharge of his duty. "No." "Xenophon, the son of Gryllus," shouted the herald at the top of his voice. "Was I drunken?" The Athenian stepped on to the platform. "No." An Arcadian soldier, Nicarchus by name, came forward "Tell me now; are you a heavy-armed soldier?" and said, "I accuse Xenophon the Athenian of violence and "No; I am not." outrage." "Are you a light-armed then?" A few voices of assent were heard throughout the meeting; "No; nor yet a light-armed." and some half dozen men came forward to support the prosecutor. Accuser and accused were now confronted. "Of what do you "What were you doing then?" accuse me?" asked Xenophon. "Of wantonly striking me," replied "I was driving a mule." the man. "Being a slave?" "When and where did you suffer these blows?" "Not so; I am free; but my commander compelled me to "After we had crossed the Euphrates, when there was a drive it." heavy fall of snow." A light broke in upon Xenophon. He had had a general "I remember. You are right. The weather was terrible; our recollection of the occasion, but could not remember the particular provisions had run out; the wine could not so much as be smelt; incident. Now it all came back to him. many men were dropping down, half dead with fatigue; the enemy were close upon our heels. Were not these things so?" Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 98 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Ah," he cried, "I remember; it was you who were carrying A deafening clash of swords and spears followed, and the the sick man?" verdict was accepted. "Yes," the man confessed, "I did so, by your compulsion; The other complainants were now called to state the and a pretty mess was made of the kit that I had upon the mule's particulars of their grievances. Dismayed by the reception which back." their spokesman had met with, they remained silent, one and all. "Nay; not so; the men carried the things themselves, and Xenophon then entered upon a general defence of his conduct. nothing was lost. But hear the rest of the story," he went on, "Comrades," he said, "I confess that I have many times turning to the assembly, "and, indeed it is worth hearing. I found a struck men for want of discipline. These were men who, leaving poor fellow lying upon the ground, who could not move a step others to provide for their safety, thought only of their own gain. further. I knew the man, and knew him as one who had done good While we were fighting they would leave their place in the ranks service. And I compelled you, sir," addressing Nicarohus, "to to plunder, and so enriched themselves at our expense. Some also carry him. For if I mistake not, the enemy were close behind us." I have struck, when I found them playing the coward and ready to The Arcadian nodded assent. give themselves helplessly up to the enemy. Then I forced them to march on, and so saved their lives. For I know, having once "Well then; I sent you forward with your burden, and after myself sat down in a sharp frost, while I was waiting for my a while, overtook you again, when I came up with the rear guard. comrades, how loath one is to rise again. Therefore, for their sake, You were digging a trench in which to bury the man. I thought it a I raised them even with blows, as I should myself wish, were I so pious act, and praised you for it. But, lo! while I was speaking, the found, to be raised. Others also have I struck whom I found dead man, as I thought he was, twitched his leg. 'Why he's alive,' straggling behind that they might rest. I struck them for your sake, the bystanders cried out. 'Alive or dead, as he pleases,' you said, for they were hindering both you that were in front, and us that 'but I am not going to carry him any further.' Then I struck you. I were behind, and I struck them for their own sake. For verily it acknowledge it. It seemed to me that you were going to bury the was a lighter thing to have a blow with the fist from me than a poor fellow alive." spear's thrust from the enemy. Of a truth, if they are able to stand "Well," said the Arcadian, "you won't deny, I suppose, that up now to accuse me, it is because I saved them thus. Had they the man died after all." fallen into the enemy's hand, what satisfaction would they be able to get, even if their wrongs were ten times worse than that "Yes," replied Xenophon, "he died, I acknowledge. We Nicarchus complains of? No," he went on, "my friends, I have must all die some day; but, meanwhile, there is no reason why we done nothing more to anyone than what a wise father does to his should be buried alive." child, or a good physician does to his patient. You see how I The man hung his head and said nothing. behave myself now. I am in better ease; I fare better; I have food and wine in plenty. Yet I strike no one. Why? Because there is no "What say you, comrades?" cried Xenophon. need; because we have weathered the storm, and are in smooth One of the oldest men in the ranks got up and said, "If water. I need no more defence; you have, I see, acquitted me. Yet Xenophon had given the scoundrel a few more blows he had done I cannot forbear to say that I take it ill that this accusation has well." been made. You remember the times when I had for your good to incur your dislike; but the times when I eased the burden of storm or winter for any of you, when I beat off an enemy, when I Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 99 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

ministered to you in sickness or in want, these no one the most impressive part of the entertainment was in the remembers—" and here the speaker's voice half broke, partly with performances which followed it. The libation having been made real emotion, partly at the suggestion of the orator's art. A thrill of and the hymn, which supplied the part of grace after meat, having sympathy ran through the audience. "And you forget," he went on, been sung, some of the Thracian soldiers came upon the platform "that I never failed to praise the doer of any noble deed, or to do which had been prepared for the performers. They wore the usual such honor as I could to the brave, living or dead. Yet, surely it armor of their country, a helmet, greaves, light cuirass, and sword, were more noble, more just, more after the mind of the gods, a and danced a national dance to the sound of a flute, leaping into sweeter and kindlier act, to treasure the memory of the good than the air with extraordinary nimbleness, and brandishing their to cherish these hateful thoughts." swords. One pair of dancers were conspicuous for their agility. When the speaker sat down, there was nothing that he Faster and faster grew their movements, and with gestures of might not have obtained from his comrades. defiance they alternately retreated and advanced. At last, one of them, carried, it seemed, out of himself by his rage, thrust at his That night there was a great banquet. This served a double fellow with his sword. The man fell. purpose. Quarrels were made up, and some other difficult relations of the army to its neighbors were satisfactorily adjusted. "He is killed!" screamed out the guests, and rose from their The fact was, that the Greeks, partly from their want, and partly in seats. the hope of filling their pockets after a long and profitless Indeed, the man had fallen so artistically and lay so still campaign, had been plundering right and left. The natives, on the that anyone would have thought that he had received a fatal blow. other hand, had not been slow to retaliate. Plundering cannot be The Greeks, however, looked on unmoved, and the strangers, not done satisfactorily in company; but any who ventured to do a little knowing whether this wonderful people might not be wont to kill business on his own account ran a great chance of being cut off. each other for the entertainment of their guests, resumed their Under these circumstances both parties thought it might be seats. The dancer who had dealt the blow stripped the other of his possible to come to an agreement. If the Greeks would not arms, and hurried off, singing the Thracian national song: plunder, the natives would leave them unmolested and even "All praise to Sitalces, furnish them with supplies. The chief of the country, accordingly, Invisible Lord, sent an embassy, with a handsome present of horses and robes of The spear point that errs not, native manufacture. The generals entertained them at a banquet, to The death-dealing sword, which, at the same time, they invited the most influential men of The chariot that scatters the army. The chief's proposals would be informally discussed, The close ranks of war, and proposed in regular form at a general meeting the next day. Red Ruin behind it, The generals did their best to impress their guests. Meat, Blind Panic before!" bread and wine were in plenty; and the eparch of Trapezus sent When he had left the stage a party of Thracians appeared one of the magnificent turbots for which the waters of the Black and carried off the fallen man, who had remained without giving Sea were famous. All the plate that was in the camp was put into the slightest sign of life. requisition to make as brave a show as possible; and, at the instance of Callias, some handsome vessels of gold and silver Another dance in armor succeeded, performed this time by were lent by the town authorities. But, in the eyes of the guests, Aeolian tribesmen from the Menalian coast. A man came on the stage, and, laying aside his arms, made believe to drive a yoke of Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 100 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

oxen, and to sow as he drove. Every now and then he looked The astonishment of the native guests was beyond all round, with an admirable imitation of expecting some unpleasant expression. interruption. This came in the shape of another armed man, who "What!" cried their chief, "do your women fight?" was supposed to represent a cattle-lifter. The ploughman caught up his arms, and ran to encounter him. The two fought in front of "Of course," said the general whom he addressed, "of the team, keeping time as they struck and parried to the sound of course they fight, and very pretty soldiers they make." the flute. At last the robber appeared to vanquish his adversary, to "Women soldiers!" gasped the man. bind him, strip him of his arms, and drive off the team. "Why," said his host, "did you not know that it was the The next performer was a Mysian, who danced, again in women who routed the Great King, and drove him out of our armor, what we should call a pas seul. He had a light shield in camp?" each hand, and seemed to be fighting with two adversaries at once; his action was extraordinarily life-like and his agility almost more than human. In curious contrast with his performance was the stately movement of some Arcadians heavy-armed, who, with all the weight of their armor and accoutrements upon them, moved to the tune of the warriors march with as much ease as if they had been perfectly unencumbered. "Good Heavens!" cried one of the envoys to his next neighbor, "what men these are! Their armor seems not one whit heavier to them than a shirt, and they carry their swords and their spears as if they were twigs of osier." One of the Mysians, whose dialect was not very different from that of the speaker, overheard the remark. "Ah!" he said to himself, "we will astonish these gentlemen still more." He drew one of the Arcadians who had just performed, aside. "Send Cleone on the stage," he said. Cleone was a dancing-girl, famous for her agility. By good luck she was at hand, having indeed expected to perform for the amusement of the company. The Arcadian made her put on a light cuirass of silvered steel, which she wore over a scarlet tunic. She had a short gilded helmet, buskins of purple, and sandals tied with crimson strings. In her left hand she carried a small shield, and in her right, a light spear. Thus accoutred, she came on the stage and danced the Pyrrhic dance with tremendous applause from all the spectators. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 101 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

But Callias happened to be exceedingly fortunate both in CHAPTER XXVI his nurse and in his doctor. The house of Demochares was kept by his sister, a widow, who after her husband's death had returned to her old home, and had devoted herself to a life of kindness and INVALIDED charity. The young Athenian had won her heart, not only by his sunny temper and gracious manners; but by his resemblance to a Callias found it very hard to sit out the banquet and the son of her own whose early death—he had been slain in a entertainment that followed it. He had felt a headache before skirmish with the barbarian neighbors of Trapezus—had been the sitting, or to speak more correctly, lying down, and this grew so second great sorrow of her life. His illness called forth her bad during the evening that he gladly took the earliest opportunity tenderest sympathies, and nothing could have exceeded the of leaving. The fact was that he had been ailing for some days; the devotion with which she ministered to her patient. excitement of the games had carried him through the labors of the The physician, Demoleon by name, was a very remarkable day, but he suffered doubly from the reaction, and before nightfall man. He was a native of the island of Cos, and was at this time he was seriously ill. between fifty and sixty years of age. He had been one of the first And now he found the advantage of having followed pupils of the famous Hippocrates, who was a native of the same Xenophon's advice and taken up his quarters in the town. Had he island, and had lived on terms of great intimacy with his teacher been reduced to such nursing and attendance as the camp could whom he assisted in his private practice. When Hippocrates was have supplied, his chances of moving would have been small summoned to the plague-stricken city of Athens, Demoleon indeed. At the house of Demochares, on the contrary, he had accompanied him, and, by a curious coincidence, in the course of everything in his favor, an exceptionally good nurse, and an his residence there had treated the father of Callias. Whatever the exceptionally skillful physician. In those days neither branch of benefit that followed the prescriptions of Hippocrates, it is certain the healing art, for nursing has certainly as much to do with that the fact of his being called in to administer them by the most healing as physicking, was very successfully cultivated. Women famous citizen of Greece, largely increased his reputation, and nursed the sick, indeed, often with kindness and devotion, for that even beyond the border of Greece. The great physician's woman's nature was substantially the same then as it is now, but return from Athens was speedily followed by an invitation from they did it in a blind and ignorant fashion. As for the practice of Artaxerxes, King of Persia. The plague that had devastated Greece medicine it was a mass of curious superstitions and prejudices, had passed eastward, and was committing destructive ravages leavened here and there with a few grains of experience, and, if throughout the Persian Empire. Artaxerxes implored Hippocrates the practitioner happened to have that inestimable quality, of good to give him and his subjects the benefit of his advice. He offered sense. Of systems there was only the beginning. The great at the same time the magnificent honorarium of two talents of physician Hippocrates had indeed acquired a vast reputation, and gold yearly. The patriotism or the prudence of Hippocrates led was beginning to influence the opinion of the faculty throughout him to refuse this offer, tempting as it was. He would not, he said, Greece; but the medical profession has always been slow to adopt and doubtless with sincerity, give the benefit of his advice to the new ideas—what profession, indeed, has not?—the means of hereditary enemy of his country. At the same time, we may communication, too, were very limited, and as yet his teaching suppose, he reflected to himself that he would be putting himself, had had but little effect. without any possibility of appeal, at the mercy of a tyrannical and unscrupulous master. But one of the Persian envoys succeeded in Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 102 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

doing a little business of the same kind on his own account. He grace as well as by the pathetic patience of the sufferer. Amestris found the pupil less resolute against the temptations of a great that was the young lady's name—guessed readily enough that the bribe than the master had been. Accordingly he engaged physician would not venture to speak, and she took the matter into Demoleon to come in the capacity of physician to himself and his her own hands. She did not speak herself; for that, passionate as household. The King would have the opportunity of availing was her affection, would have been impossible; but she got some himself of his advice if he pleased. Artaxerxes was disappointed at one to speak for her. Her nurse—the nurse was generally the the refusal of Hippocrates, but he did not disdain the help of a confidante of antiquity—undertook the task of communicating man who had shared his practice, and was probably acquainted with the young man. One day she gave him a pomegranate, saying with his system. Demoleon prescribed at Susa and Persepolis the at the same time that he would find the fruit especially sweet. Her remedies which his master had employed at Athens, the burning words would have seemed ordinary enough to anyone that might of huge fires in the street and squares, and the use of an antidote. have happened to hear them; but the young physician, whose The pestilence either yielded to these influences, or, as is more feelings made him susceptible, suspected, he could not say why, a probable, had exhausted its force. At any rate Demoleon got the particular meaning. Opening the fruit he found a ring engraved credit of having vanquished the enemy, and was rewarded by a with a single Greek word—Be Bold. The next day he thanked the munificent present from the King and by an enormous practice. giver of the fruit with emphasis. "It was sweet to the core," he He might have accumulated great wealth but for an said. unlucky complication for which he can scarcely be considered to After that the affair proceeded rapidly. The young man, have been to blame. Necessity sometimes compelled a departure, who, as may be guessed, did not hurry the case of his patient, in the case of the physician, from the strict rules of seclusion with found an opportunity of declaring his love, and in the following which the Persian women were surrounded. Demoleon was called summer the two lovers fled together. All the arrangements had in to visit the daughter of a Persian noble. She was a beautiful girl, been carefully made. The girl feigned sickness, and the physician or rather would have been beautiful but for the fact that she was prescribed a residence among the hills and a simpler life and blind. It was a case of cataract, and the Greek physician, who was plainer diet than the patient was likely to get in her father's house. as bold as he was skillful, ventured on an operation which at that Her foster-mother was the wife of a sheep master who rented time had scarcely been attempted, or even thought of. It proved some extensive pastures on the hills of Southern Armenia, and it entirely successful. The gratitude of the father was shown by a was settled that Amestris should pay her a visit. The lady was sent munificent present of gold and jewels; that of the daughter by the off under a small escort, no one dreaming that the family of an gift of her heart. One of the very first objects on which her eyes influential noble would be molested on its journey. Yet, curiously rested when the bandage was permitted to be removed was the enough, a band of brigands was bold enough to enter the form of the young physician who had restored to her one of the caravanserai where the party was lodging on the fourth night after greatest joys of life. Under any circumstances it was likely to their departure from Susa. Certainly the keeper of the inn, and, please her; and Demoleon was in the bloom of early manhood, possibly, the commander of the escort, had been bribed— and his fair complexion and golden hair showed in attractive Demoleon's successful practice had put him in the command of as contrast to the swarthy hues of her countrymen. The result was much money as he wanted. For a long time Amestris absolutely that she fell deeply in love. Demoleon was not without prudence, disappeared. Her father searched everywhere and offered and would have hesitated to listen to any promptings of his own munificent rewards for information, but he could find and hear heart, for he too had been greatly impressed by the beauty and nothing. No one knew that a couple of travellers, who might have Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 103 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

been two brothers journeying in company and followed by three draught, intending to make a thorough examination of the case well armed servants, were in fact Demoleon, Amestris, and the next morning. pretended robbers. The party followed much the same route as Shortly after sunrise he was by the bedside. Callias was was afterwards taken by the Ten Thousand, and, after not a few conscious enough to be able to describe his feelings; what he said hair-breadth escapes, arrived in safety at the same destination,— indicated plainly enough that his illness had been developing for the city of Trapezus. some days past, and had been postponed by sheer courage and Three years of happiness followed. Then the beautiful determination. It was in fact something like what we call gastric Persian died. She never repented of having given her heart to the fever; and the experienced physician saw enough to convince him young physician, who was the best and most affectionate of that he should have a hard battle to fight. The patient was young, husbands. But she missed her family and all the associations of vigorous, apparently sound of constitution, and, as far as he could her early life, and pined away under the loss. Return was learn, of temperate habits. All this was in favor of recovery; but it impossible; she could not go back without her husband, and to was not more than was needed to give a glimpse of hope. return with him would have been to expose him, if not herself, to Demochares, who had a strong regard for the young man, the certainty of death. The hopelessness of the situation broke her as indeed everyone had that had been brought hip contact with heart; and all her husband's skill, even the more potent influence him, intercepted the physician as he was leaving the house after a of her husband's love, failed to work a cure. prolonged examination of the patient. The widower could not prevail upon himself to leave the "How do you find him?" he asked. place where he had enjoyed his short-lived happiness. He might have gained wealth and fame in larger cities, but he preferred to Demoleon shook his head. The gesture was not exactly spend the rest of his days at Trapezus. There, indeed, he was despairing, but it indicated plainly enough that the situation was almost worshipped. He had a singularly light and skillful hand; his serious. experience, though, of course, not so large as he might have "You will put him all right before long?" returned the collected elsewhere, was always ready for use; and he had the merchant, alarmed at the gravity of the physician's manner. rare, the incommunicable gift of felicitous guessing—guessing we call it, but it is really the power of forming rapid conclusions from "All these things lie on the knees of the gods," said a number of trifling, often half discerned indications. Anyhow he Demoleon, quoting from his favorite Homer. (It was a maxim of achieved some very marvellous cures; performed with success his that a man who did not know his Homer was little better than a operations which others did not venture to attempt; diagnosed fool.) It may be said that the physician was more than a little diseases with remarkable skill, and was extraordinarily fertile in brusque in manner and speech. Twenty years of solitary life had his expedients. It was specially characteristic of him that while he made him so, for since his wife's death he had held aloof from all was never satisfied till he had thoroughly enquired into the causes the social life of the place. of disease, he was unwearied in his efforts to relieve the "What ails him?" enquired the merchant. inconvenience and painfulness of a patient's symptoms. "A fever," was the brief reply. So alarming did the condition of Callias become after his return from the banquet, that Demoleon was called in without loss "Does it run high?" of time. All that he could do at the moment was to give a sleeping "Very high indeed."

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"You have bled him, of course." off muttering in a low voice, "who ought to know better, and The physician's answers to enquiries were generally as ought to be punished for such folly. It is sheer murder." short as the rules of politeness permitted; occasionally, some of I do not intend to describe the course of the long illness of his questioners were disposed to think, even shorter; but there which this was the beginning. There were times when even the were remarks that always made him fluent of speech, though the hopefulness of the physician—and his hopefulness was one of his fluency was not always agreeable to his audience. strongest and most helpful qualities—failed him. Relapse after "Bleed him, sir," he cried, "why don't you say at once stab relapse, coming with disheartening frequency, just when he had him, poison him? No, sir, I have not bled him, and do not intend seemed to have gathered a little strength, brought him close to the to." gates of death. "I thought that it was usual in such cases," said the "I have done all that I can," said Demoleon one evening to merchant timidly. Epicharis the nurse. "If anyone is to save him, it must be you. If you want me, send for me, of course. Otherwise I shall not come. "Very likely you did," answered Demoleon, "and there are It breaks my heart to see this fine young fellow dying, when there persons, I do not doubt, who would have done it, persons, too, are hundreds of worthless brutes whom the earth would be better who ought to know better." This was levelled at a rival without." practitioner in the town for whom he entertained a most thorough contempt. "Do you know, sir," he went on, "where men learnt the Epicharis never lost heart; for a nurse to lose heart is more practice of bleeding?" fatal than the physician's despair. For nearly a week she scarcely slept. Not a single opportunity of administering some "No, I do not," said Demochares. strengthening food did she lose—for now the fever had passed, "It was from the hippopotamus. That animal has been and the danger lay in the excessive exhaustion. At last her observed to bleed himself. Doubtless the operation does him good. patience was rewarded. The sick man turned the corner, and But it does not follow that what is good for an animal as big as a Demoleon, summoned at last, to alleviate, he feared, the last cottage is good also for a man. Doubtless there are men for whom agony, found, to his inexpressible delight, that the cure was really it is good. When I have to deal with a mountain of a man, one of begun. your city dignitaries, bloated by rich feeding, by chines of beef "You are the physician," he cried, as he seized the nurse's and pork and flagons of rich wine, I don't hesitate to bleed him. hand and kissed it; "I am only a fool." His thick skin, his rolls of fat flesh, seem to require it. In fact he is a human hippopotamus. But to bleed a spare young fellow, who Winter had passed into spring, and spring into summer, has been going through months of labor and hard living would be before Callias could be pronounced out of danger. Even then his to kill him. I wonder that you can suggest such a thing." recovery was slow. Some months were spent in a mountain village where the bracing air worked wonders in giving him back his "I am sure I am very sorry," said the merchant humbly. strength. As the cold weather came on he returned to his "Happily no harm is done," replied the physician, cooling comfortable home in Trapezus. Though scarcely an invalid, he down a little. "And, after all, this is not your business, and you was still a little short of perfect recovery. Besides it was not the may be excused for your ignorance, but there are others," he went time for travelling. Anyhow it was the spring of the following year, and now more than twelve months from the time of his first

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illness, when he was pronounced fit to travel. Even then it was only something like flat rebellion on the part of his patient that CHAPTER XXVII induced Demoleon to give way. The young man was wearying for home and friends. He had heard nothing of them for several months, for communication was always stopped during the winter BACK TO ATHENS between Athens and the ports of the Euxine, while the eastward bound ships that always started after the dangerous season of the Callias started about the middle of April, according to our equinox had passed, had not yet arrived. reckoning. His journey to the Bosphorus was much retarded by contrary winds. For some days no progress could be made, and it was well into May before he reached Byzantium. There he was fortunate enough to get a passage in a Spartan despatch-boat, which took him as far as the port of Corinth, thus carrying him, of course, beyond his destination, but to a point from which it was easy for him to find his way to Athens. It was about the beginning of June when he landed at the Piraeus. He did not doubt for a moment about the place where his first visit was due. The fact was that he had no near relations. The kinsman who was his legal guardian had always given up the business of looking after his ward's property to Hippocles; and now that Callias was his own master, there was little more than a friendly acquaintance between the two cousins. The alien's house was, he felt, his real home, nor had he given up the hope that in spite of Hermione's strongly expressed determination, he might some day become a member of his family. Hippocles happened to have just returned from his business at the shipyard, when the young Athenian presented himself at the gate. Nothing could be warmer than the welcome he gave his visitor. "Now Zeus and Athene be thanked for this," he cried as he wrung the young man's hand. "That you had come back safely from the country of the Great King I heard. Your friend Xenophon told me so much in a letter that I had from him about a year ago. Then I heard from him that you were dangerously ill. After that all was a blank, and I feared the worst. But why not a word all this time?"

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"Pardon me, my dear friend, I think I may say that it was whole number as holding strong oligarchical opinions. Amongst not my fault. For months I was simply too ill to write. When I the laws that they had made one was that none of these Three came back to Trapezus, the winter had begun, and there were no Thousand were to be condemned without a vote of the Senate. more ships sailing westward. I should have written when The name of Theramenes was, of course, on the list, and, as he communications were opened again, but I was always in hopes of had a majority of the Senate with him, he seemed safe. Well what being allowed by the physician to start, and I had a fancy for did Critias, who was the leader of the violent party, do? He filled bringing my own news. And how are you?" the outer circle of the Senate house with armed men, the Senate, "I am well enough," replied Hippocles, "but we have been you must understand, sitting in the middle surrounded by them. passing through times bad enough to shorten any man's life. I Then he got up and said, 'A good president, when he sees the body don't speak of trade. There have been troubles there, but when one over which he presides about to be duped, does not suffer them to has ventures all over the world, it does not matter very much as follow their own counsel. Theramenes has duped you, and I and far as profits are concerned, if things do not go right at one place these men here will not suffer one who is the enemy of his country or another. It has been the state of home affairs that has been the to do so any longer. I have therefore struck his name off the list of heaviest burden to bear. I thought we had touched the bottom the Three Thousand. This leaves me and my colleagues free to when the city had to surrender to Lysander. But it was not so, and deal with him without your assent.' The Senate murmured, but I might have known better. The Spartans, of course, upset the dared do nothing more. The officers came and dragged the man democracy." from the altar to which he was clinging. An hour afterwards he had drunk the hemlock. The gods below be propitious to him, for "Well," interrupted Callias, "I should have thought that great as were his misdeeds he died in a good cause and as a brave that would not have been by any means an altogether unmixed man should die. Things have not been so bad since the Thirty evil." were upset, but there is a sad story to tell you." "Yes," said Hippocles, "and there have been times when I Callias paused awhile. At last he screwed up his courage to have been ready to think the same. But wait till you see an put a question which he had both longed and feared to put ever oligarchy in power, really in power, I mean, not with a possible since he had set foot in the house. appeal to the people, and so a chance of having to answer for themselves before them, but with a strong foreign garrison behind "And your daughter, is she well?" them. We had that state of things in Athens for more than half a "Yes, she is well." year. One might almost say that it was like a city taken by storm. "And still with you?" No man's life was safe unless he was willing to do the bidding of the Tyrants—the 'Thirty Tyrants' was the nickname of the men, "Yes, she is at home," briefly answered the father. that were in power in those days. Who would have thought that Hermione had in fact, refused several offers which every Theramenes would ever have been regretted by honest men? Yet one else had thought highly eligible. Hippocles, though by no it was so. He thought his colleagues were going too far, and means anxious to lose a daughter who was not only a companion opposed them. He was carrying the Senate with him, for many but a counsellor, was growing anxious at what appeared her besides him were beginning to feel uncomfortable; so they manifest determination to remain single. He would have dearly murdered him. The Thirty had, you must know, a sort of sham liked to have a son-in-law who would be able to take up in time general assembly—three thousand citizens picked out of the the burden of his huge business, a burden which he began to feel Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 107 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

already somewhat heavy for his strength. Callias would have been not but acknowledge to himself that a meeting would have been entirely to his heart, but he had accepted, though not without great highly embarrassing. reluctance, his daughter's views on this subject. That she should Conversation did not flag during the meal. When it was deny the young Athenian's suit, and yet for his sake dismiss all finished, the host excused himself on the score of having some other suitors—and this he began to suspect to be the fact—seemed business matters on hand which did not brook delay; and to his practical mind a quite unreasonable course of action. When Xenophon and Callias were left to talk over each other's a distant kinsman from Italy, a handsome youth of gracious adventures. manners and of unexceptionable character, with even a tincture of culture, was emphatically refused, Hippocles ventured a When Callias had told the story with which my readers are remonstrance. Its reception was such that he resolved never under already acquainted, Xenophon proceeded to give him a brief any circumstances to repeat it. Hermione had been always the outline of his fortunes since they had parted. most obedient of daughters, but this roused her to open rebellion. "Well, my dear Callias," he said, "you did not lose much "Father," she said, "in this matter I am and must be a freeborn by not being with us. While we were in danger, we stuck fairly Italian. A Greek father can arrange a marriage for his daughter, together, though there were always cowardly and selfish fellows but you must not think of it. I shall give myself as my mother gave who thought, not of the general welfare, but only of their own herself before me—if I could find one as worthy as she did," and skins or their own pockets. But when we were safe at the coast she caught her father's hand and kissed it, breaking at the same and among friends, then there arose endless division. And, indeed, time into a passion of tears. "Forgive me," she went on in a broken I must allow that the situation of the army was very trying. Here voice, "for setting up myself against you; but if you love me, were thousands of men who lived by their pay, and there was no never speak on this subject again." And her father resolved that he paymaster. I had a scheme of my own which would really have never would. kept us together. If it could have been carried out, the gathering of The young Athenian felt a glow of renewed hope pass the Ten Thousand, even though it had failed of its first object, through him at the father's reply, studiously brief and cold as it would not have been altogether in vain. I wanted to found a new was. Anyhow Hermione was not married. What could ever occur Greek colony. We might have taken Pharis or some other city of to change her purpose he did not care to speculate. Nevertheless, the barbarians; and if only half of my comrades had been willing as long as she did not belong to another, he need not despair. to stay, we might have made a rich and powerful place of it before long. But it was not to be. Perhaps I was not worthy of being the "You will dine with me of course," said Hippocles to his founder of such a colony; anyhow the scheme came to nothing. I visitor, "by good luck I have invited Xenophon. Doubtless that is will tell you how it was. You remember Silanus, the soothsayer. I he," he went on, as a knock was heard at the door. never trusted the man. He was quite capable of garbling signs to A few moments afterwards a slave introduced Xenophon; suit his own advantage. However I could not help going to him on and before the two friends had finished their greetings it was this occasion, as he was the chief of his craft. So I said, 'Offer announced that dinner had been served. sacrifices and determine the omens concerning this scheme of a Hermione was not present at the meal, nor did her father new colony.' Now Silanus was about the only man who had any make any excuse for her absence. The presence of any guest not money in his pocket. Cyrus had given him three thousand darics, belonging to the regular family circle, was sufficient to account for a prophecy that had come true, and he wanted to get home with the spoil. So he was altogether against the idea of a colony. for it; and Callias, though he hoped against hope to see her, could Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 108 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

When he had sacrificed he could not say that the omens were "It was well we did, for everyone seemed bent on treating altogether against the scheme; for I knew nearly as much about us as villanously as possible. Would you believe that the Spartan the matter as he did. What he did, say was that there were governor of Byzantium actually sold as slaves four hundred indications of a conspiracy against me. And he took good care to soldiers who had found their way into the city? It is true that they make them true, for he spread about reports of what I was going to were stragglers and had no business there; but it was an do that turned the army against me. So the scheme came to abominable act. At last, one Seuthes, who had been chief of the nothing. Odrysians, and deposed by a usurper, offered to take the whole "This did one good thing, however, for it helped us on our army into his pay, if we would help him to recover his dominions. way home. Trapezus and the other colonies in the east of the Every man was to receive a stater per month, the captains twice, Euxine did not relish the idea of a new Greek city which might and the generals four times as much. Also he offered land, oxen to turn out to be a formidable rival. So they offered to transport the plough it with, and a city with walls. In fact the colony scheme army to the Hellespont and to furnish pay from the first new moon seemed likely to be carried out after all. To me he was very after the departure. This seemed a good offer, and I recommended munificent in his promises. I was to have one of his daughters to the soldiers to close with it, and said that I gave up my scheme. wife and a city of my own." 'Only,' I said, 'let us all keep together and let anyone who leaves "What did you say to that?" said Callias. us be counted a malefactor.' For I did not choose that my friend "Well, the only one of these things that Seuthes really had the soothsayer should get the better of it. in his possession was the daughter. I saw the young lady, "Well, we set sail; our first halt was at Sinope, which is handsome I will allow, and tall; but, oh, such a savage! As for the roughly speaking, about halfway between Trapezus and money, and the land, and the oxen, and the towns, walled and Byzantium. Then the army wanted to make me commander-in- unwalled, we had to get them for him and then have our portion chief. Happily the omen was against it, and I was able to decline. back. However, it seemed to me the best thing for the army to do, We started again, and got to Heraclea. The people were very and I advised the men to that effect, and they agreed, only it was hospitable; but some scoundrels in the army wanted to lay a provided that we were never to march more than seven days' contribution upon the city. Chirisophus, the Spartan—I should journey from the seacoast. We had all had enough of marches up have told you that on my refusal the army gave him the chief the country. Then Seuthes gave us a feast by way of striking the command—refused to have anything to do with such an bargain. abominable business, and I backed him up. Of course the city shut "It was a wonderful scene, and some day I must tell you all its gates against us, and we got nothing at all. After this the army about it. But I must own that for a time I felt as uncomfortable as broke up into three. One of the divisions, made up of Arcadians ever I did in my life. After dinner when the bowl had passed and Achaeans, the most unscrupulous and greedy of the whole round two or three times, in came a Thracian leading a white number, got into serious trouble when they were trying to plunder horse. He took the bowl from the cup-bearer, and said, 'Here is a the country, and I had to rescue them, for two thousand men had health to thee, King Seuthes. Let me give you this horse. Mounted stuck to me when the army was thus broken up. Then the other on him thou shalt take whom thou wilt, and when thou retirest division under Chirisophus were nearly as badly off, and I had to from the battle thou shalt dread no pursuer.' Then another gave a get them out of a scrape. After this they came together again, and slave, and another some robes for the Queen, and a fourth a silver it was made a matter of death for anyone to propose a separation. saucer and a finely embroidered carpet. All the while I was sitting

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in an agony, for I was in the place of honor, and had nothing to "Just at the last I had a stroke of luck. That is another story offer. However 'our Lady of Athens,' who is the inspirer of clever I must tell you some day. But fortunately we took prisoners a devices, and, it may be Father Bacchus also, for I had drained two Persian noble with his wife and children, his horses and cattle and or three cups, helped me out of my difficulty. When the cup- all that he had. The next day I left the army, but before I went they bearer handed me the goblet, I rose and said, 'King Seuthes, I gave me the pick of the beasts of all kinds. It was a handsome present you with myself and these my trusty comrades. With their present, I can tell you. help you will recover the lands that were your forefathers' and "So, on the whole," said Callias, "you came pretty well out gain many new lands with them. Nor shall you win lands only, but of the business. You returned at least not poorer than you went, horses many, and men many, and fair women also.' Up got the you have won for yourself a name which those who come after us King, at this, and we drained the cup together. will not, I take it, forget, and you helped, at least, to save the lives "Seuthes was not going to let the grass grow under his feet. of many Greeks from perishing shamefully by the hands of the When we left the banqueting tent—this was at sunset because we barbarians. Are you not content?" wanted to set the guards about our camp—the King, who, for all "Yes," replied Xenophon, "all the more content on account his potations, was as sober as a water-drinker, sent for the generals of one thing you have not mentioned. For this indeed pleases me and said, 'My neighbors have not yet heard of this alliance of ours. in the matter that we Greeks have now found a way by which we Let us go and take them by surprise.' And so we did. We went that may both go to the capital of the Persians and return therefrom. night and brought back booty enough to pay for our day's pay, I Verily, I sometimes wish we had not been so eager to retreat, but warrant you. had stopped and made ourselves masters of the country of our "Well, we went on fighting for Seuthes for two months till enemies. Perhaps we were not strong enough; but, if I can see so we had conquered the whole countryside for him. Then the far into the future, some one will do this hereafter, and Greece conquered tribes flocked to him—give a Thracian plenty to eat will be avenged of all that she has suffered at the hands of the and drink and good pay and he will fight in any quarrel—till he barbarians." did not want any more. That perhaps was not to be wondered at, "The Master will be glad," Callias went on after a pause. but, like the mean hound that he was, he tried to get out of paying The "Master" of course was Socrates. Xenophon looked at the us. young man with some surprise. "Just at this moment when I thought that we should have "You seem very confident on this point. He indeed was to settle with the sword for judge, Sparta declared war against the always somewhat doubtful, and certainly there are great Persians and wanted all the men she could get. So Thimbron, their difficulties when you come to look into it a little more closely." commander-in-chief, came over and engaged the men at the same rate of pay that Seuthes was giving or rather promising. We never "I really do not know what you mean," answered Callias; got anything but a wretched fragment from the King. "you have seen him I suppose, for you have been in Athens several days and know what he thinks." "By this time I had had about enough of campaigning of this fashion. Not a drachma had I made. In fact I was poorer than For a few moments Xenophon stared at the speaker in utter when I set out. I had even to sell my favorite horse, but Thimbron perplexity. Then a light broke in upon him. "what," he cried, "you bought it back for me. do not know? You have not heard? "Know what? Have heard what? You speak in riddles." Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 110 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"That he is dead." The young man covered his face with his hands. After a CHAPTER XXVIII few minutes he recovered calmness enough to speak. "No, indeed, I did not know it. I never thought of such a thing. He seemed so THE STORY OF THE TRIAL full of life and vigor. Yet he must have been an old man, not far from seventy I suppose, for he was more than forty at Delium. It is not too much to say that the young man was prostrated Tell me of what did he die?" by the news which he had just heard, for the blow fell upon him "They killed him." with a suddenness that seemed to increase the pain tenfold. He "Killed him! Who killed him?" had not been indeed on the same intimate terms of friendship with the great philosopher as the older disciples, Crito, Simmias, "The people of Athens." Cebes, Phaedo and others had been. But he had regarded him with an affection and admiration that was nothing less than enthusiastic; and he had looked forward to getting his advice about the future conduct of his life with a hopeful eagerness that made disappointment very bitter. To find himself in Athens after all the vicissitudes of fortune through which he had passed, and to learn that the man without whom Athens scarcely seemed itself, was lost to him forever, was a terrible shock. Xenophon's sorrow had not been less keen, but he had been prepared for his loss by at least a few days' previous knowledge. The news had reached him while he was on his way, and the first shock was over when he landed. But there had been nothing to break the news to Callias. He felt as a son might feel who returns home after a, long absence in full expectation of a father's greeting, and finds himself an orphan. So overpowered was the young man that he felt solitude to be absolutely necessary for a time. "Let me talk to you about it another day," he said to Xenophon, "at present I am not master of myself." Xenophon clasped his friend's hand with a warm and sympathetic pressure. "I understand," he said. "Yet, I think it will comfort you when you hear how he bore himself at the last and what he said. Come to me to-morrow; Hippocles will tell you where I live."

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Early the next morning, Callias presented himself at hard tasks and sometimes with blows, were permitted to judge Xenophon's house, a modest little dwelling, not far from the him, or to a physician if the children whom he seeks to cure of garden of Academus. He found him in the company of some their ailments with nauseous drugs, or, it may be, with the knife or friends, most of whom were more or less known to the young man cautery, had him in their power?" as having been members of the circle which had been accustomed "Truly, it might fare ill with him," Callias confessed, to listen to the teaching of the great master. Crito, Menexenus and thinking to himself of certain angry thoughts that in his own Aeschines, and the two Theban, Cebes and Simmias, were among boyhood he had cherished against his own teacher and doctor. the number; and there were others whom he did not recognize. He was greeted with kindness and even distinction. His host had "Yes," said Crito, "Simmias is right, nor did this matter evidently been giving a favorable account of him to the company. escape the notice of us Athenians, though we did not perceive it so plainly. You, I know, have been much absent from Athens since "I thought it best," Xenophon went on to explain, "to ask you grew to manhood, yet you must have seen something of this. some of those who were actually present when these things You were here, for example, when the admirals were condemned happpened, to meet you. I myself, as you know, was not here; and after the battle at Arginusae. Is it not so?" it is well that you should hear a story so important from eye- witnesses, men who saw his demeanor with their own eyes, and "I was here," said Caillas. heard his words with their own ears." "And you know how Socrates set himself against the will "I thank you," said Callias. "But tell me first how it was of the people, refusing to put to the vote a proposal which he that such things came to pass. It seems incredible to me. I have believed to be unconstitutional. Well, he suffered nothing at that heard that here and there a man has been found so monstrously time, because their will prevailed in spite of him. Yet we saw that wicked that he could kill his own father, though Solon thought it there were many who remembered this against him, and only so impossible a crime that he would impose no penalty on it. But waited for the opportunity of avenging themselves upon him. Nor that a whole people should be stricken with such madness of was he less constant in opposing the few, when he believed them wickedness seems to pass all imagination or belief." to be acting wrongfully, than in opposing the many. Listen now, to what he did and said in the days of the Thirty. Were you in "Ah! you do not understand," said Simmias; "I am a Athens at that time?" foreigner you know; and those who look at things from outside often see more of them than they who are within. I had long "No," replied Callias, "I left the city, or rather was carried thought that Socrates was making many enemies in Athens. And away from it—" at this there was a general laugh, most of the verily if he had said, such things in my own city, as he said here, I company having heard of the curious story of his abduction— doubt whether he had been suffered to live so long." "after the murder of the generals, and did not set foot in it till the other day." "But he always spoke true things," said the young man, "and things that were to the real profit of his hearers" "But you know what manner of men these Thirty were." "Just so," replied Simmias, "but that they were true and "Yes, I know." profitable did not make them pleasant, or the speaker of them "Well, among other vile things that they did was this, that welcome. What, think you, would happen to a school-master if his they put to death many excellent men whom they conceived to be pupils whom he daily corrects and disciplines, sometimes with enemies to themselves. Then Socrates, in that free way of his, Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 112 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

said, 'If a herdsman were so to manage his herd that the cattle "Yes," replied the other, "but I have never found that a became fewer and not more, men would consider him a bad man liked punishment more because he knew that he deserved it. herdsman. Still more would they consider him to be a bad ruler of So you see that the city was full of his enemies. And there were a city who should so manage it that the citizens became not more some honest men who really believed that he did harm by his but less numerous.' This being reported to Critias, who was a chief teaching. What with knaves whom he opposed with all his might, among the Thirty, he sent for Socrates, and said to him, 'There is a and fools whom he exposed, and right-minded, wrong-headed law that no man shall teach or use the art of words.' Socrates said, men whom he could not help offending, there was a very 'Mean you by this, the art of words rightly spoken or the art of formidable host arrayed against him." words wrongly spoken?' On this, one Charicles, who was a "I see," said Callias. "But they must have had some colleague of Critias, and was standing by him, broke in violently: pretext, they could not put any of the things you have been 'Since, Socrates, you find it so hard to understand an altogether speaking about into a formal charge. Tell me, what did they easy thing, take this as a plain rule, that you are not to talk with accuse him of?" young men at all.' 'Truly I desire to obey the law,' said Socrates; 'tell me then what you mean by young men. How young? Up to "Oh, it was the old story, treason and blasphemy. Men what age?' Charicles said, 'Up to thirty, at which age men are able who would have sold their country for a quarter of a talent, men to take part in affairs of the state.' 'But,' said Socrates, 'if I desire who believe in no other gods than their own lusts, were loud in to buy a thing of a man who is under thirty, is it permitted me to proclaiming that Socrates had ruined the state, and was teaching ask what it costs?' 'Yes,' said Charicles, 'you may say so much.' the young not to worship the gods." 'And If a man under thirty asks me where Critias lives or "Good heavens!" cried Callias, "how dared they utter such Charicles lives, may I answer him?' 'Yes, you may answer such lies? A better patriot, a truer worshipper of the gods never lived." questions,' said Charicles. Then Critias broke in, 'But you must not talk about blacksmiths and coppersmiths and tanners; and "You are right; yet, these were the charges against him, indeed you have worn these themes pretty well thread-bare by this these and other things equally absurd, as that he taught the young time.' 'Nor about righteousness and wickedness and such things, I to despise their fathers and to think meanly of all their relatives suppose,' said Socrates. 'No, indeed, nor about herdsmen. If you and friends, as if he himself were the only friend that was worth speak of herdsmen and of the herd being diminished, take care having; that he perverted words from Homer and the old poets to a that it be not diminished by one more, even by you.'" bad sense, making them mean that no work was disgraceful so that it brought in gain, and that it was lawful for kings and nobles Callias listened with delight. "Oh, how like him!" he cried. to beat the common people—these were the charges that they "Yes,"replied Crito, "like him indeed, and truly admirable. brought against him. And then they added the accusation that But such things do not please those to whom they are spoken, Critias and Alcibiades who had done great harm to Athens had especially do not please men in power. Then consider the number both been disciples of his." of empty-headed, ignorant fellows whose vanity and conceit he "But tell me," said Callias, "how did these liars and exposed every day by his pitiless questioning. There was not a villains proceed? And first, who were they? Who took, the lead? pretentious fool in Athens whom he had not at some time or other held up to ridicule." "One Meletus was the chief." "And they deserved it richly." said Callias. "What! The foolish poet whom everyone laughs at?"

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"Yes, the very same. He represented the poets. There was he was accounted wise by many and especially by himself, he was one Lycon, of whom, I suppose, you never heard, who represented not wise in reality. But in vain I tried to convince him, and I even the public speakers, and Anytus, one of those who came back with became odious to him and to many others who were present and Thrasybulus. He had been badly treated, it is true, banished admired him. Then I thought to myself, I am at least wiser than without any good reason, but only a madman could have supposed this man, for he, not knowing, thinks that he knows, while I at that Socrates had had anything to do with it. These three brought least know that I do not know. After this, I went to the poets, the indictment. It was in these words: tragic, lyrical, and others, and taking to them poems which they "'Socrates is guilty of a crime. He does not acknowledge had written, asked of them what they meant thereby. And I found the gods whom the state acknowledges, and he introduces other that almost always those that had not written these things knew and new gods. He is also guilty of corrupting the youth. The better what they meant than the authors. So I concluded that these penalty—death.'" also were not wise. And at last I went to the artisans, knowing that they were acquainted with many things of which I knew nothing. "But such charges hardly needed a defence. Is it possible And this, indeed, I found to be the case. But I also found that, that a number of Athenian judges found a verdict of guilty?" because they had mastered their own art, each thought himself "It was so indeed," said Crito, "and I am not sure that you very wise in other things, things, too, of the greatest importance, will be altogether surprised when you hear what the accused said and that this self-conceit spoilt their wisdom. These also seemed in his own defence. I am an old man now, and have watched the to be less wise than myself. But all the time that I was doing this I courts now for many years; and I have seen not a few men who knew that I was making myself hateful to many, yet, because I might have escaped but for what they said in their own behalf. was bound to obey the god as best I could, I did not desist. Now I can't tell you all that Socrates said, or even the greater part "'It is true also that many young men hearing me thus of it. Our friend Plato is going to set it forth regularly in a book questioning others have found delight in this employment and that he is writing. But I can tell you enough to make you see what have learnt to imitate me. And they have obtained this result: they I mean. have found many persons who think that they know much but in "After he had dealt with various other matters—those reality know nothing. But they who are this discovered are calumnies for instance, that Aristophanes set afloat about him now irritated, not so much against their questioners, but against me more than thirty years ago-he went on: 'Some years ago, men of whom they suppose to have taught them this habit. Hence comes Athens, a certain Chaerephon—you know him; some of you went this fable of a certain wicked Socrates who is said to corrupt the into exile along with him—having been my companion from my young men. youth up, ventured to go to Delphi, and to propose this question to "'Nevertheless, O men of Athens, if you this day release the god: "Is there any man wiser than Socrates?" The Pythia made me, I shall not therefore cease to do that which, as I conceive, the reply, "There is none wiser than he." When I heard this I said to god commands. I shall go about the city seeking wisdom; nor myself, what can the god mean? He cannot tell a lie, yet I am not shall I cease to say to such as come in my way, My friend, can conscious to myself of possessing any kind of wisdom. So at last I you, being a citizen of Athens, the most famous city of Greece, devised this plan. I went to one of the men who are reckoned wise, help being ashamed if you make riches or rank your highest aim, thinking thus to test the oracle, so that I might say, here at least is and care not for that which is indeed the greatest good? This shall one that is wiser than I. Now when I came to examine this man— I still do to young or old, for it is this that the god orders me to he was one of our statesmen, men of Athens,—I found that though do!'" Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 114 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"Magnificent!" cried Callias, "but how did the judges take judge all the men together, acting wrongfully, as you afterwards it? It was a downright defiance of them." acknowledged. And I alone of all the presidents opposed this "Certainly it was, and so they thought it. There was a thing, and would not yield, no not when the orators denounced tremendous uproar. When the noise had ceased, he began again:— me, and would have joined me with the accused. This was in the 'Do not clamor against me, men of Athens, but hear me patiently; time of the democracy. 'tis indeed for your own good that you should. For be assured that "'And afterwards when the democracy was overthrown, putting me to death, you will harm yourselves rather than me. For, and the oligarchy was in power, what happened? Did not the having rid yourselves of me, you will not easily find anyone who Thirty send for me along with four others to their council- will do for you the office that I have done, which has been, I take chamber, and bid us fetch Leon of Salamis, that he might be put to it, that of a rider upon a horse of, good breed, indeed, and strong, death. This they did, after their habit, seeking to involve as many but needing the spur. Such a rider have I been to the city, sitting as possible in their wicked deeds. Then also I showed not in words close and exciting you continually by persuasion and reproach. only, but in deeds that I cared not one jot for death. For in the You will not easily find another like me; and if you are angry with chamber I declared that I would not do this thing, and when we me, yet remember that persons awakened out of sleep are angry had gone out, the other four indeed went to Salamis, and fetched with the man who rouses them, though it may be to the saving of Leon, but I went to my own home. Doubtless I should have died their lives. And remember this too: what I have done, I have done for this act, but that the Thirty were overthrown soon afterwards. without pay; no one can bring up this against me that I have done "'And what I have done publicly that I have privately also. anything for gain. If you ask a proof, look at my poverty—that is Never have I conceded anything that was wrong to any man. But proof enough. if any man would hear what I said I never grudged him the "'And if anyone ask me why I go about meddling with opportunity. I have offered myself to rich and poor, whether they every body and giving them advice, and yet never come forward would question me themselves or answer my questions, nor have I and give any advice about matters of state, I make him this spoken for pay, nor been silent because I was not paid, nor have I answer: There is a voice within me, of which Meletus idly speaks ever said aught to any man that I have not said to all. as if it were another god, which never indeed urges me to do "'So much, men of Athens, might suffice for my defence, anything, but often warns me against doing this or that. This same but if any of you, remembering that other men when accused have voice has often warned me against taking part in public affairs, brought their children before you seeking to rouse compassion, and rightly so indeed, for be assured that if I had so taken part, I are angry with me because I have not so done, let him listen to should long ago have perished. And do not be offended if I tell me. I, too, have family ties. you the truth. No man can be safe who opposes things wrong and illegal that are done by the people. If he would live, even but for a "'From no gnarled oak I sprang, or flinty rook, as Homer short time, he must keep to a private station. has it, but am born of man. Three sons I have; two of them are children, one an infant. Should I then bring them before you, and "'Do you not remember, men of Athens, how when you seek to move your pity by the sight of them? Not so. I have seen had to judge the admirals that did not save the shipwrecked men at many thus demeaning themselves, as if, forsooth, you acquitting Arginusae, I would not put the motion to the vote? For though I them, they would escape death altogether; but such behavior had never held any public office I was in the Senate, and it so would ill befit those who seek to follow after virtue and honor. chanced that my tribe that day had the presidency. You chose to Nor is such behavior only unseemly; it is wrong. For we are Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 115 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

bound to convince a judge, not to persuade him, and he is set in "Socrates began again: 'You think that I show too much his place not to give justice as a favor, but because it is justice. pride when I talk in this fashion. But it is not so. Let me show you Verily, if I should have to persuade you to act against your oaths I what I mean. As to the penalty which the accuser demands, I should be condemning myself of the very charge that Meletus has cannot say whether it be good or evil; but the other things which I brought against me, for I should act as if I did not believe that the might propose in its stead I know to be evils—imprisonment, or a gods by whom ye have sworn to do right are gods at all. Far be it fine with imprisonment till it be paid, or exile, which last, indeed, from me so to act. I believe in the gods more than my accusers you might accept. But if you cannot endure my ways, O men of believe; and I leave it to these gods and to you to judge Athens, think you that others would endure them? And what a life concerning me as it may be best for you and for me.'" for a man of my age to lead, this wandering from city to city! But "No man," said Cebes, "could have spoken better; but it if anyone should say, Why, O Socrates, will you not depart to was not the speech that would please or conciliate." some other city, and there live quietly, and hold your tongue? I answer, To do this would be to disobey the god, and I cannot do it. "And what was the result?" asked Callias. And indeed to live without talking and questioning about such "After all there was only a majority of six against him; two matters is not to live at all. But I have not yet named the penalty. hundred and eighty-one against two hundred and seventy-five If I had money I should propose some fine which I could pay; but were the numbers. Then came the question of the sentence. The I have none, except indeed you are willing to impose upon me prosecutor had demanded the penalty of death. 'Socrates,' said the some small fine, for I think that I could raise a pound of silver.' At president of the court, 'what penalty do you yourself propose?' this there was another growl from the judges; and some of us who 'You ask me,' said Socrates, 'what penalty I myself propose. What were standing by Socrates caught him by the robe, and whispered then do I deserve, I who have not sought to make money, or to to him. After a pause, he said, 'Some of my friends, Crito and hold office in the state, or to command soldiers and ships, who Plato and Apollodorus, advise me to propose a fine of thirty minas have not even attended to my own affairs, but have sought to do to and offer to be security. So I propose that sum.' others what I thought to be their highest good? What should be "Of course the result was certain. A majority much larger done to me for being such a man? Surely something good, than before voted for the death penalty. Then the condemned man something suitable to one who is your benefactor, and who spoke for the last time. You will be able to read for yourself the requires leisure that he may spend it in giving you good advice. very words that he said. I can now give you only an idea of the There is nothing, I conceive, more suitable than that I should be end of his speech. He had told the judges, speaking especially to maintained at the public expense in the Town Hall, with those those who had voted for his acquittal, that the voice that was wont who have done great services to the State. Surely I deserve such a to warn him had never hindered him in the course of his speech, reward far more than he who has won a chariot race at the though it was not the speech that he should have made if he had Olympic games; for he only makes you think yourselves wanted to save his life. From this he argued that he and they had fortunate, whereas I teach you to be happy.' reason to believe that death was a good thing. 'Either,' he said, 'the "Of course there was a loud murmur of disapprobation at dead are nothing and feel nothing, or they remove hence to some this. Even some of those who had voted for acquittal were vexed other place. What can be better than to feel nothing? What days or at language so bold. nights in all our lives are better than those nights in which we sleep soundly without even a dream? But if the common belief is true, and we pass in death to that place wherein are all who have Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 116 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

ever died, what greater good can there be than this? If one passes 'would the matter have been more tolerable if I had been from those who are called judges here to those who really judge condemned justly?'" and administer true justice, to Aeacus and Minos and There was a general laugh. "That is true," said Crito, "but Rhadamanthus, is this a change to be lamented? What would not certainly as far as Athens is concerned, it was a more shameful anyone of you give to join the company of Homer and Orpheus thing." and Hesiod? or talk with those who led that great army of Greeks to Troy, or with any of the many thousands of good men and women that have lived upon the earth? Verily, I would die many times if I could only hope to do this. And now it is time'—for these were his very last words of all—'that we should separate. I go to die, you remain to live; but which of us is going the better way, only the gods know.'" There was a deep silence in the room after Crito had finished speaking. It was broken at last by Callias, who asked, "How long since was that?" "Nearly two months," said Simmias, "but by a strange chance Socrates was not put to death for nearly a month after his condemnation. It so happened that the Sacred Ship started for Delos just at the time, and during its voyage—in fact from the moment that the priest fastens the chaplet on the stern—no man can be put to death. For thirty days then he was kept in prison, There we were permitted to visit him, and there we heard many things that are well worth being remembered." "I want to hear everything," cried Callias. "You shall in good time," said Crito. "Come to my house to-morrow and I will put you in the, way of your getting what you want." "But you ought to hear," cried Apollodorus, who had hitherto taken no part in the conversation, "what the teacher said to me, though, indeed, it shows no great wisdom in me that he had occasion to say it. 'O Socrates,' I said, when I saw him turning away from the place where he had stood before his judges—and nothing could be more cheerful than his look—'O Socrates, this indeed is the hardest thing to bear that you should have been condemned unjustly.' 'Nay, not so, my friend,' he answered,

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absolute confidence between you and me—and in this, as the CHAPTER XXIX Master showed me, I was wrong. Indeed I never received from him so severe a rebuke as I did concerning this matter. But let me tell you what happened. I had arranged everything. The jailer was THE LAST CONVERSATION to let him escape. There were people ready to carry him out of the country. I went to him early in the morning of the day when the Callias, as may be supposed, did not fail to keep his ship was expected to return. I told him what I had done. I made appointment with the utmost punctuality. He found at Crito's light of the money that the affair was to cost. I could well afford house very nearly the same company that had been assembled the it, I said, and if I could not there were others ready to contribute. day before at Xenophon's. After the usual greetings had been And then I attacked him, it was an impudent thing to do, but I felt interchanged, the host said, "I propose, if it is agreeable to you all, as if I could do anything that we should not lose him. I told him to hold the conversation which we are to have to-day at the house that it was wrong of him to do his best to let his enemies get their of our friend Plato. He has written to invite us, not because he can way. I said to him, 'Thus acting you desert your children, whom himself see us, for he is not sufficiently recovered from his late you might bring up and educate. But if you die you will leave illness, but because we shall thus be able to talk with his friend them orphans and friendless. Either you ought not to have children Phaedo; for as all know, there is no more fitting person than or you ought to take some trouble about them. Surely this does not Phaedo to tell our young friend Callias the things that he desires to become one who has made virtue his study throughout his life. hear. For though we were all present, Xenophon only excepted, on And remember what a disgrace will fall upon us, for it will that day when the Master left us, having given us his last certainly be said that we did not do our best to save your life.' instructions, yet there is no one, who so well remembers and is so "Well, I cannot tell you now a tenth part of what he said. I well able to describe all that was then said or done. I propose, have it all written down at home, but I may say what you will therefore, that we transfer ourselves to his house." easily believe that I was as helpless in his hands as the veriest The proposition met with general assent and the party set pretender whom he has ever cross-examined. I know that he ended out. by making me thoroughly ashamed of myself. One of his chief Crito naturally took charge of Callias as being his special arguments was this: guest. As the two were walking, the young man said, "Tell me, "'Suppose, Crito, that as I was in the act of escaping, the Crito, if it is not unpleasing to you, whether in the thirty days state itself were to say to me: Are you not seeking to destroy by so during which the Master was held in prison, any efforts were acting the laws of the state itself? Is not that state already made to save his life?" dissolved wherein public sentences are set aside by private "I am glad," said Crito, "that you have asked me that persons? What should I answer to such questions? And if the laws question privately and not before others, for, indeed, a matter were to say, What complaint have you got to make against us that which has caused me no little amount of trouble and shame. Some you seek to destroy us? Do you not owe your being to us, seeing people blame me because, they say, though a rich man I did not that your father and mother married according to our ordering? bribe the jailer of the prison which Socrates was confined, and Have we not given you nurture, education, all the good things that thus enable him to escape. I am blamable, indeed, but for an you possess as being an Athenian? Have you not acknowledged us exactly opposite reason. I did bribe the man—this of course is in by living in the city, by having children in it? And if they were

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further to say, Verily, he who acts in this way in which you are cruelties that he endured from the wretch who bought him. about to act is a corrupter of youth—what could I answer? Somehow be heard of Socrates, ran away from his owner and "'And tell me, Crito,' he went on, 'whither would you have begged for the Master's protection. Of course, the only thing was me betake myself? Not surely to any well-ordered city seeing that to buy him, and equally of course, Socrates was wholly unable to I had shown myself the enemy of such order, but rather to some do this. But the Master, if he had no wealth of his own, happily abode of riot, which would indeed ill become one who had had wealthy friends. He went to Plato and, by great good luck, professed to be a lover of virtue and righteousness. And as for my Plato had a very powerful hold over the poor fellow's owner; the children, how shall I benefit them? By taking them elsewhere and man owed him a large sum of money, the interest of which was bringing them up not as citizens of Athens, but as citizens of some overdue. He was purchased, and at once set free. Plato found that other state which I myself here have judged inferior, seeing that he had been remarkably well educated and that he showed an all my life long I have deliberately preferred Athens to it?' Verily, extraordinary aptitude for philosophy. The lad's devotion to Callias, when he said this, I had no answer. But here we are at Socrates was unbounded. He never lost a chance of being near Phaedo's house." him; he was present of course at the last day, and he watched and listened with an intense earnestness that seemed to engrave Callias was not a little surprised when he was introduced everything on his mind as one engraves letters upon marble or to the man whom he had been brought to see. Phaedo was a man bronze. But, see, he is coming back. Now you will understand much younger than himself; indeed he had scarcely completed his why I have brought you to see him." eighteenth year. His appearance was singularly attractive, and his manners had all the grace and ease of a well-born and well-bred The young man, at this moment, returned to the room. man. That he was not an Athenian was evident from his speech, "Tell me, Phaedo," said Crito, "what you saw and heard on which was somewhat tinged with a Doric accent. Altogether the last day of the Master's life. My friend Callias here, who has Callias was at a loss to think who or what he could be, and how he just come back from campaigning against the Great King, desires came to be regarded as the best interpreter of the Master's last to hear it from you, and, indeed, though we all were present on words. An opportunity, however, arrived for enlightening him. that day, you seem to remember it more accurately than any." After a few minutes' conversation, a slave appeared with a "I will do my best," said the youth modestly. "I do not message for the master of the house. Plato who had been know," he went on, addressing himself especially to Callias, compelled to absent himself from the last interview with Socrates, "whether you will wholly understand me when I say that I did not as has been said, was still so unwell that his physician forbade the feel compassion as one might feel for one who was dying—he excitement of seeing visitors. He now sent for Phaedo to entrust was so calm and so happy. Neither, on the other hand, did I feel him with a message of apology for his fellow disciples whom he the pleasure that commonly followed from his discourses, for I was unable to entertain, and partly to set him free to act the part of knew that he would soon cease to be." host in his stead. "It was just so with all of us," said Crito, "but go on." Crito seized the opportunity of his temporary absence from the room to give some particulars about him. "He comes of a very "We had been to visit Socrates daily through the time of good family in Elis, and was taken prisoner about this time last his imprisonment, assembling very early in the morning, and year when Athens and Sparta were allies and acting against that waiting till the doors of the prison were opened, and so we did on country. He was sold in the slave market here, and I cannot tell the this day, only earlier than usual, because we knew that the Sacred

Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 119 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Ship had arrived the evening before. The jailer came out. 'You quit it? If so, is it not for the foolish to desire death and for the must wait, gentlemen,' he said, 'the Eleven are with him. They are wise to regret it?' 'You are right,' replied the Master, 'and if I did taking off his chains, and are telling him that he must die to-day.' not expect when I depart hence to go to the realms of the wise and After a little while the man came out again, and said that we might good gods and to the company of righteous men, I should indeed go in. When we went in, we found Socrates sitting on the side of grieve at death. And that I am right in so expecting let me now his bed, and his wife, Xanthippe, near him, holding one of his seek to prove to you, for what better could I do on the last day of children in her arms. As soon as she saw us, she began to lament my life? But stay; Crito wishes to say something. What is it?' and say, 'O Socrates, here are your friends come to see you for the Crito said, 'He who has to give the poison says that you must talk last time.' Then Socrates, looking at her, said to Crito, 'Let some as little as possible, for that if a man so excites himself he has to one take her home.' So one of Crito's servants led her away. After drink sometimes two potions or even three.' 'Let him take his a while, for of course I must leave out many things, the Master course,' said the Master, 'and prepare what he thinks needful. And said, "I have a message for Evenus, who seeks to know, I am told, now to the matter in hand. Death, then, is nothing but a separation why I have taken to writing verses in prison. Tell him that a god of the soul from the body. That you concede. And you concede appeared to me in a dream and told me to cultivate the muses. Tell further that a philosopher should care little for the things of the him also that if he is wise he will follow me as speedily as body, and that when he is most free from the body, then he sees possible, for it seems that the Athenians command that I depart to- most clearly the highest and best things, perceiving, for instance, day.' right and justice and honor and goodness, veritable things all of "'But, Socrates,' said Simmias, 'this is a strange piece of them, but such as cannot be discerned with the eyes or handled with the hands. For the body with its desires and wants hinders us, advice, and one which Evenus is not likely to take.' and makes us waste our time on the things that it covets, so that "'Why so,' said Socrates, 'is he not a philosopher? Surely we have neither time nor temper for wisdom. If then we are ever he should be ready to go the road which I am going. Only he must to reach absolute Truth we must get rid of the hindrance. While not kill himself.' we live we do this to the best of our ability, and he is the wisest "'Why do you say this?' said Cebes. man and best philosopher who does it most completely; but wholly we cannot do it, till the god shall liberate us from the "You will correct me," said Phaedo, turning to the control of this companion. And this is done by Death, which is the company, "if I misrepresent anything that you said." complete separation of soul and body. Shall then the philosopher, "Speak on without fear," said Simmias, "you seem to have who has all his life been striving for such partial separation as the memory of all the muses." may be possible, complain when the gods send him this separation that is complete? And this is my defence, my friend, for holding it Phaedo resumed, "Socrates said, 'You ask me why a man to be a good thing to die.' 'Yes,' replied Cebes, 'but many fear that may not kill himself? Well, there is first this reason, that we are as when the soul is thus parted from the body, it may be nowhere, sentinels set at a post, which we must not leave until we are being dissipated like a breath or a puff of smoke when the body bidden; then again if men be servants of the gods, as seems likely, with which it has been united dies.' 'You desire, then,' said how can they withdraw from this service without leave? Would Socrates, 'that I should prove to you that the soul does not perish you not be angry if one of your servants were to do it?' when it is thus separated from the body?' 'Yes,' we said, 'that is "'True,' said Cebes, 'but if we are the servants of the gods, what we all wish.' 'First then,' he went on, 'is it not true that and therefore in the best guardianship, should we not be sorry to everything implies that which is opposite to it, as Right Implies Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 120 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Wrong, and Fair implies Foul, and to sleep is the opposite of to desires, then it cannot attain to this pure and heavenly region, but wake? If so does not to die imply its opposite to live again? must abide in some place that is more fitted for it.' "'Secondly, is it not true that the highest part of our "Much else he said on this point to which we listened as knowledge is a remembering again? For there are things which we though it were another Orpheus that was singing to us. And when know not through our senses. How then do we know them? Surely he had ended and sat wrapt in thought, we were silent, fearing to because we had this knowledge of them at some previous time.' disturb him. And so we remained for no little space of time in "'But,' said Cebes, 'may it not be true that the soul has been silence, he sitting on the bed, as if he neither saw nor heeded any made beforehand to enter the body; and having entered it lives of the things that were about him and we regarding him most therein, and yet perishes when its dwelling is dissolved?' earnestly. "'Being of a frail nature, I suppose,' said the Master, 'it's all "After a while he woke up, as it were, from his reverie and to be blown away by the wind, so that a man should be especially said, 'You have agreed with me so far; yet it may be that you have afraid to die on a stormy day.' fears and doubts in your minds which I have not yet, dispersed. If so let me hear them, that I may, if it be possible, rid you of them, "At this we all laughed, for we did laugh many times and for indeed I cannot, as I conceive, leave behind me a greater gift heartily that day, though now this may seem to others and indeed for you than such a riddance. Speak, then, if there is anything that to ourselves almost incredible, seeing what we were about to lose. you would say.' "'Well,' the Master went on, 'I will seek to relieve you of "Simmias said—I put, you will perceive, his argument in a this fear. Is it not true that things that are made up of parts are few words: 'May it not be that the soul is in the body as a harmony liable to be separated? And is it not also true that the soul is not is in a harp? For the harmony is invisible and beautiful and divine, made up of parts, but is simple and not compounded? Also it is and the harp is visible and material and mortal. Yet when the harp visible things that perish; but the soul is not visible. Again the soul perishes, then the harmony also, of necessity, ceases to be.' is the ruler, and the body the servant. Is it not true that the divine and immortal rule the human and mortal senses?' "When Simmias had ended, Cebes began: 'I do indeed believe that the soul is more durable than the body. Just so the "To this we all agreed. weaver is more durable than the thing which he weaves. Yet at the "The Master began again, for he now, as I may say, had to last, one thing that he weaves proves to be more durable than he. put before us the conclusion of the whole matter. 'We may think So may the soul outlast many bodies, and yet perish finally, worn thus, then, may we not? If the soul depart from the body in a state out, so to speak, by having gone through so many births.' of purity, not taking with it any of the uncleannesses of the body, "Have I put these things rightly, O Simmias and Cebes?" from which indeed it has kept itself free during life as far as was said the young philosopher, addressing them, "though indeed I possible—for this is true philosophy—then it departs into that have made them very brief." invisible region which is of its own nature, and being freed from all fears and desires and other evils of mortality, spends the rest of "You have put them rightly," the two agreed. its existence with the gods and the spirits of the good that are like "When we heard these things," Phaedo went on, "we were unto itself. But if it depart, polluted and impure, having served the also greatly disturbed; for we desired to believe that which the body, and suffered itself to be bewitched by its pleasures and Master was seeking to prove, and seemed to have attained

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certainly, and now we were thrown back again into confusion and hold, indeed, that the soul is durable, but may not be immortal. doubt." Hear then my answer. You believe that there are ideas or "And how did the Master take it, O Phaedo?" told Callias; principles of things, and that these ideas, being invisible, are the "for indeed I feel much as you describe yourselves as having felt. real causes of things that are visible.' Cebes acknowledged that he Having reached a certain hope, not to say conviction, I am now did so believe. 'Is not now the soul the principle of life, and is not disturbed by fears." this principle the opposite of death? In its essence, therefore, it is immortal; but that which is immortal cannot be destroyed, no, "Nothing could be more admirable than his behavior. That even though there are things which seem to threaten its existence.' he should be able to answer, was to be expected; but that he should receive these objections so sweetly; so gently, and "'To affirm positively about such matters,' he said, 'is not perceiving our dismay, quickly encourage us, and, so to speak, the part of a wise man. Yet what I have said seems reasonable. reform our broken ranks—this indeed was beyond all praise. And anyhow he who has scorned the body and its pleasures during life, and has adorned the soul with her proper virtues, justice and "I myself was sitting on a low seat by the side of his bed. courage and truth, may surely await his passage to the other world He dropped his hand, and stroked my head and the hair which lay with a good hope. But now destiny calls me, and I must obey. But upon my neck, I wore it long in those days, for he was often wont I will bathe before I take the poison, that the women may not have to play with my hair. Then he said, 'I suppose, Phaedo, that you the trouble of washing my body.' intend to cut off these beautiful locks to-morrow, as mourners are wont to do.' "Then Crito asked: 'Have you any directions to give us?' "'I suppose so,' I said. 'Nothing now; if you rightly order your own lives, you will do the best for me and my children; but if you do not, then "'But you must cut them oft to-day and not to-morrow if whatever you may promise, you will fail.' our doctrine be stricken to death, and we cannot bring it to life again.' Then he turned to Simmias and Cebes, and said, 'Hear now "'But,' Crito asked, 'how shall we bury you?' what I have to say, but while you hear, think much of the truth but "'As you will,' said he, 'provided only you can catch me little of Socrates; and be on your guard lest in my eagerness I and that I do not slip out of your hands.' Then he smiled, and said, deceive not myself only but you also, and leave my sting behind 'Crito here will not be persuaded that I am saying the truth. He me when I die even as does a bee. You, Simmias, think that the thinks that I am the dead body that he will soon see here, and asks soul may be but as a harmony in the body. But do you not how he shall bury me. Assure him then that when this dead body remember what we said about all knowledge being a is laid in the grave or put upon the pyre to be burnt it is not remembering, and that what the soul knows it has before learnt? It Socrates that he sees. For to speak in this way, O Crito, is not only existed then before the body; but a harmony cannot exist before absurd but harmful.' the things are put together of which it proceeds. Then again "After this he bathed, remaining in the bath-chamber for harmony may be more or less; but one soul cannot be more a soul some time: This being ended, his children were brought to him, than another. And if, as the wise men say, virtue is harmony and and the women of his family also. With these he talked awhile in vice discord, we have a harmony of a discord, which cannot be; the presence of Crito, and afterwards commanded that some one finally one part of the soul often opposes another, as reason should take the women and children away. And it was now near opposes appetite; how then is the soul a harmony? You, Cebes, sunset. Hereupon the servant of the Eleven came in, and said, 'O Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 122 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Socrates, you will not be angry with me and curse me when I tell or his look. Only he put his head forward in the way he had, and you, as the magistrates constrained me to do, that you must drink said to the man: the poison. I have always found you most gentle and generous, the "'How about making a libation from the cup? May we do best by far of all that have come into this place. You will be it?' angry, not with me, for you know that I am blameless, but with those whom you know to be in fault. And now, for you know what "'Socrates,' said the man, 'we pound just so much as we I am come to tell you, bear what must be borne as cheerfully as think sufficient.' may be.' And saying this the man turned away his face and wept. "'I understand,' said the Master. 'Still we may, nay we "'Farewell!' said Socrates, 'I will do as you bid,' and must, pray to the gods that my removal hence to that place may be looking to us he said, 'How courteous he is! All the time he has fortunate. The gods grant this! Amen!' And as he said this he put been so, sometimes talking to me, and showing himself the best of the cup to his lips and drank it off in the easiest, quietest way fellows. And now see how generously he weeps for me! But we possible. must do what he says. Let some one bring the poison, if it has "Up to that time we had all been fairly well able to keep been pounded; if not, let the man pound it.' from tears. But when we saw him drinking the poison, when we "'But,' said Crito, 'the sun is still upon the mountains. I knew that he had finished it, we could restrain them no longer. As have known some who would prolong the day eating and drinking for myself I covered my face with my mantle, and wept to myself. till it was quite late before they drank. Anyhow do not be in a Not for him did I weep, but for myself, thinking what a friend I hurry. There is still plenty of time.' had lost. And others were still more overcome than I was. Only Socrates was quite unmoved. "'All!' said Socrates, 'these men were quite consistent. They thought that they were gaining so much time. But I too must "'Why all this,' he said, 'my dear friends? I sent the women be consistent. I believe that I shall gain nothing by dying an hour away for this very reason, that they might not vex us in this or two later, except indeed the making of myself a laughing stock fashion. I have heard it said that a man ought to die with good by clinging to life when there is really nothing left of it to cling words in his ears. Be quiet, I beseech, and bear yourselves like to.' men.' "Then Crito made a sign to the slave that was standing by; "When we heard this we were not a little ashamed of he went out, and after some time had passed brought in the man ourselves, and kept back our tears. He walked about till he felt the whose duty it was to give the poison, and who brought it in ready weight in his legs, and then lay down on his back—this was what mixed in a cup. When Socrates caught sight of him, he said: the man bade him do. Then the man who administered the poison squeezed his foot pretty strongly, and asked him whether he felt "'Well, my friend, you know all about these matters. What anything. He said no. Then the man showed us how the numbness must I do?' was going higher and higher. "'You will only have to walk about after you have drunk "'When it reaches his heart,' he said, 'he will die.' the poison, till you feel a sort of weight in your legs. Then you should lie down, and the poison will do the rest' "When the groin was cold the Master uncovered his face— for he had covered it before—and said, 'Crito, we owe a cock to "So saying, he reached the cup to the Master, who took it. Aesculapius; pay it, do not forget.' His hand did not shake; there was not the least change in his color Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 123 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

"These were the last words he said. "'I will,' said Crito, 'is there anything more?' CHAPTER XXX "But he made no answer. A little time after, we saw him move. Then the man uncovered the face, and we saw that his eyes THE CONDITION OF EXILE were set. Then Crito closed his mouth and his eyes." Phaedo left the room hastily when he had finished his The story that Callias had heard of the last days of his narrative. For some time there was silence. Then Apollodorus Master, and heard, of course, with many details which it is now spoke. impossible to reproduce, made, it need hardly be said, a profound impression on him. First and foremost—and this was what the "You know, my friends," he said, "that I am not very wise dead man himself would have been most rejoiced to see—was the nor at all learned; but he bore with me and my foolishness, and profound conviction that this teaching, inspired, as it was, with a you will also because you know I loved him. Let me say then one faith which the immediate prospect of death had not been able to thing. Much that Socrates said that day I did not understand, nor shake, was absolutely true. The young man can hardly be said to do I understand it now when I hear it again. Yet no one could be have had any feeling of religion in the sense in which we more fully persuaded than I was that he spoke the truth. And what understand that word. To believe in the fables, grotesque or even persuaded me was the sight of the man. So brave was he, so immoral, which made up the popular theology, in gods who were cheerful, so wholly convinced in his own mind, that no one could only exaggerated men, stronger, indeed, but more cruel, doubt that he was indeed about to depart to a better place." treacherous, and lustful, was an impossibility. The poets' tales of the Elysian plain and of the abyss of Tartarus had in no wise helped towards producing any emotions of the spiritual kind, any wish to dwell in an invisible world. The most sacred of these poets in his description of that world as another earth in which everything was feebler, paler, less satisfying than it is here, had certainly repelled rather than attracted him. Now this want had been supplied; the lofty teaching of duty, duty owed to country, kinsfolk, friends, fellow-citizens, fellow-men, that he had heard from the Master was now supplemented and sanctioned by this clear enunciation of a doctrine of immortality. The young man felt that he could face the world, whether it brought him prosperity or adversity, joy or sorrow, life or death, with a more equable soul or more assured spirit than he had ever dreamed could be possible. The two or three days that followed the conversation related in my last chapter were spent by the young Athenian in debating with himself the question: What am I to do?

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He had just risen on the morning of the fourth day, when a with them. But this is a matter at which they cannot take offence, visitor was announced. It was Xenophon, looking, as Callias but which will most certainly please the Great King. He has not thought, serious, but not depressed. forgotten the Cyrus business, you may depend upon it, and it will "And what have you been doing these three days? cried the delight him to hear of any who had a part in it suffering for their newcomer. act. That is why we are to be banished." "Thinking," replied Callias. "And what shall you do?" "That is exactly what I have been doing myself, and I "I shall go to Asia. I had intended to go in any case, for I would wager my chance of being Archon next year, a very serious have private affairs there, nothing less important, I may tell you in confidence, than marrying a wife. Then I shall find something to stake indeed, that we have had the same subject for our thoughts. You have been debating with yourself what you are to do?" do with the Spartans, among whom I have some very good friends. Come with me. You too, might find a wife; that will be as "Exactly so; and I am no nearer a conclusion than I was you please; but anyhow I can guarantee you employment" when I began." "I confess," said Callias, after meditating awhile, "that I do "Well, some one else has been good enough to save us the not feel greatly drawn by what you suggest. As for the wife, that trouble of deciding. Listen to this. I have a friend in office, I prospect does not please me at all; and, as you know, I am not so should tell you, and he has given me an early copy of what will be much of a Spartan-lover as you. You must let me think about it; soon known all over Athens. 'It is proposed by Erasinides, son of you shall have a final answer to-morrow." Lysias, of the township of Colonus, that Xenophon, son of Gryllus, of the township of Orchia, and Callias, son of When Xenophon had taken leave, Callias went straight to Hipponicus, of the township of Eleusis,' and some twenty others, Hippocles, and happened to arrive just as a messenger was leaving whose names I need not trouble you with, 'be banished from the house with a note addressed to himself, and asking for an early Athens for unpatriotic conduct, especially in aiding and abetting visit. Callias related what he had just heard from Xenophon. the designs of Cyrus, who was a notorious enemy of the Athenian "You do not surprise me. In fact I also have had a private people.' Well; that is going to be proposed to the Senate to-day. intimation from a member of the Senate that this is going to be My friend, who knows all about the strings, and how they done, and it is exactly the matter about which I wished to see you. are pulled, tells me that it is certain to be carried. In the course of But tell me, what does Xenophon advise?" a few days it will be brought before the Assembly, and I have no Callias told him. doubt whatever that it will be accepted." "And you hesitate about accepting his offer?" "But what have the Athenian people got to do with Cyrus, "Yes; I do more than hesitate; I feel more and more averse who is dead and gone, and can neither help nor hurt?" to it the more I think of it." "Ah! you don't understand. The Lacedaemonians, you "You are right; to take service with the Spartans must, know, have declared war against the Persian King. Of course that almost of necessity, mean, sooner or later, some collision with gives the Athenians a chance of becoming his friends. It is true your own country. It was this that ruined Alcibiades. If he could that things are not ripe just yet for anything decisive or public. We only have had patience, he could have saved himself and the are allies with the Lacedaemonians, and can't venture to quarrel Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 125 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

Athenians too, but that visit to Sparta ruined both. No; I should He needed to hear no more. The next moment, careless of advise you against Xenophon's suggestion." the eyes of the old helmsman, he had clasped her in his arms. "But where am I to go? I have thought of Syracuse. But I "I can allow myself to love the exile," she whispered in his do not care to go back to Dionysius. He was all courtesy and ear. kindness; but I felt suffocated in the air of his court. And we never feel quite safe with a tyrant." "I have thought of something else that might suit you. I am going to start in a few days' time on a visit to my own native country, not to Posidonia—I could not bear to see the barbarians masters there—but to Italy. There are other Greek cities which still hold their own, and they are well worth seeing. You might, too, if you choose, pay another visit to Rome. You will at least have the advantage being out of this dismal round of strife to which Greece itself seems doomed. Our countrymen there have, I know, faults of their own; but they do contrive to live on tolerably good terms with each other." The plan proposed seemed to Callias to promise better than any that he could think of and he accepted the offer with thankfulness. A few days afterwards he was gazing for what he felt might well be the last time at the city of his birth. Bathed in the sunshine of a summer morning stood the Acropolis, crowned with its marble temples, and, towering above all, the gigantic statue of Athene the Champion, her outstretched spear-point flashing in the light. What glories he was leaving behind him! What lost hopes, what unfulfilled aspirations of his own! The tears of no unmanly emotion were in his eyes as he turned away, but not before he had caught sight of a well-known house by the harbor of Piraeus. This seemed to be the last drop of bitterness in his cup. She had lost him for his country's sake, and now he had lost her, too. He turned and found himself face to face with Hermione! There was something in her look which made his heart thrill; but she did not give him time to speak. "Callias," she said, "you gave up what you said was dear to me," and her blush deepened as she spoke, "for Athens' sake. But now—if you have not forgotten—"

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of the precise time; but it probably happened somewhat later in CHAPTER XXXI the century. 3. I do not know whether I am wrong in making AUTHOR'S POSTSCRIPT Alcibiades escape from his castle in Thrace immediately after the battle Aegos Potami. Plutarch would give one rather to understand that he fled after the capture of Athens. It is quite possible, It is impossible for the writer of historical fiction, however, that he recognized the defeat as fatal to Athenian especially if he wishes to suggest to his readers as many subjects influence of the Thracian coast, and that feeling his own position of interest as possible, to adapt the literary necessities of his work to be no longer tenable, he retired from it at once. to fit in with the actual course of events. But he is bound to point out such departures from historical accuracy as he feels 4. I have taken some liberties with the text of Xenophon's constrained to make. It is quite possible that a correction may narrative. The trial of the generals by their own soldiers, the serve to impress the real facts upon his readers more deeply than athletic sports, and the entertainment described in my story are all an originally accurate statement would have done. I therefore taken from the Anabasis, but they do not come so close together append to my tale a list of as I have found it convenient to put them. 5. It is a moot point among historians whether Xenophon CORRIGENDA returned to Athens after he had quitted the Ten Thousand. Mr. Grote thinks that he did; and his authority is perhaps sufficient to 1. I was anxious to include the Battle of Arginusae in my shelter such a humble person as myself. It has also been debated story. It was the first scene in the last act of the great drama of the whether he was banished in 399 or some years later. I am inclined Peloponnesian War. At the same time I felt bound, having made to think that here I am accurate. up my mind to give a description of a Greek comedy, to choose 6. I need hardly say that the Thracian national song is of the Frogs. It has a literary interest such as no other Aristophanic my own invention. Xenophon simply says that the Thracian play possesses, and it is at once more important and more performers went off the stage singing the "Sitalces." That this was intelligible to a modern reader. But to bring the two things a song celebrating the achievement of the king of that name (for together it was necessary to ante-date the representation of the which see a classical dictionary) cannot be doubted. But we know play. I have put it in the year 406 B.C. It really took place in 405. I nothing more about it, and I have supplied the words. have also made the battle happen somewhat earlier than in all probability, it really did. The festival of the Great Dionysia, at 7. It is not necessary to say that the "diary" of Callias is an which new plays were produced, was celebrated in March. We do invention. To be quite candid I do not think it was at all likely that not know precisely the date of Arginusae, but it is likely that it a young soldier would have kept one, or even been able to write it was later in the year. A similar correction must be made about the up daily. But I wanted to give some prominent incidents from embassy of Dionysius. It may have taken place when the play was Xenophon's story, and had not space for the whole, while a mere really produced, but in 406 Dionysius was too busy think of such epitome would have been tedious. things. 8. I must caution my readers against supposing my hero to 2. I have ante-dated, this time by several years, the capture be historical. There was a Callias, son of Hipponicus, at this time, of Posidonia by the native Italians. Here again we have no record a very different man. Original Copyright 1891 by Alfred J. Church. 127 Distributed by Heritage History 2009

9. I have taken the defence of Socrates from Plato's Apology, not from Xenophon. The former is immeasurably superior.

SOCRATES AND ALCIBIADES.

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